A top-level meeting which aims to ensure Ipswich does not miss out on "once in a generation" funding worth £25 million is set to take place this week. 

In February, Dehenna Davison, parliamentary under-secretary of state for levelling up, wrote to Ipswich Borough Council regarding the status of Ipswich's Town Deal.

Ipswich Star: Dehenna Davison, parliamentary under-secretary of state for levelling up. Credit: PADehenna Davison, parliamentary under-secretary of state for levelling up. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

The letter - which has been seen by this newspaper - requested a meeting with new chief executive Helen Pluck and called for all "outstanding information" to be submitted by March 31 to ensure there is "no risk to future project funding".

It has now been confirmed that this meeting will take place on Thursday, March 9.

Ipswich Star: Helen Pluck, new chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council. Credit: Ipswich Borough CouncilHelen Pluck, new chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council. Credit: Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

The government has agreed to provide up to £25m to help deliver 11 projects proposed by the Council's Town Deal Board. 

The funding will provide an important opportunity to improve the lives of people throughout the town including in communities such as Whitton, Whitehouse, Chantry and Gainsborough.

Ipswich Star: Dr Dan Poulter. Credit: NewsquestDr Dan Poulter. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

However, MPs Tom Hunt and Dan Poulter said they "have lost confidence" in Ipswich Borough Council's ability to "secure the funding" - describing the authority as "inept" early last month.

Speaking on Thursday's planned meeting, Dan Poulter told this newspaper: "This is a once in a generation fund that has been made available for significant projects in the town. 

"It will give young people and the people of Ipswich pride in their town and provide better opportunities. 

Ipswich Star: Ipswich MP Tom Hunt. Credit: Office of Tom HuntIpswich MP Tom Hunt. Credit: Office of Tom Hunt (Image: House of Commons)

"The Town Deal is the most significant money contribution I've come across in my time as MP and in at least 20 or 30 years."

On the action taken by government, Dr Poulter said he is pleased the minister will work with the council "to help get the funding back on track".

"It is clear that the Minister shares our concerns that Ipswich Borough Council is very much an outlier and is the only council in Norfolk and Suffolk not to have secured their Town Deal funding," he added.