May loses key MPs' support over 'obscene and derisory' pro-Brexit towns fund

Downing Street unveiled a 'Stronger Towns Fund' for less prosperous parts of England on Sunday - with £1bn divided between the regions and a further £600m available for bidding by local authorities. But the amount of allocated, which will be distributed over the next six financial years, has been criticised. The West Midlands was awarded the second highest sum of £212m, which works out at £9 per person per year.