Concerns have been raised that political considerations lie behind the selection of some areas that will receive new government support following yesterday's Budget.
Leaders and chiefs in deprived areas that have been pushed towards the back of the queue for support under the new levelling up fund have expressed disbelief at their exclusion.
Meanwhile it has emerged that almost 90% - 40 out of 45 - of the latest recipients of the towns fund which were announced yesterday have at least one Tory MP.
Graeme McDonald, managing director of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers, tweeted: “Feeling hugely uncomfortable about the allocations from the Town Fund. Hope it receives and is able to stand up to the level of scrutiny it deserves.”