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  10. Council invites eligible South Holland organisations' expressions of interest in £3.39million Prosperity Funding

Council invites eligible South Holland organisations' expressions of interest in £3.39million Prosperity Funding

UKSPF

Posted on 24 January 2023

Businesses and communities in South Holland are set to benefit from £3.39million of new funding secured by the District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

South Holland District Council is inviting eligible local organisations to submit expressions of interest for the funding, which will help to support the delivery of projects and programmes that help to build pride in place, provide high quality skills training and increase life chances across the district.

£2.69million has been awarded to South Holland by the Government through the UKSPF, with a further £700k available through the REPF, a separate fund focused on addressing the specific challenges faced by rural areas. All of the funding must have been invested by 31 March 2025.

Investment in local projects and programmes will be focused around three key themes, with further priorities identified by the Council as part of the original application process:

  • Communities and place: Supporting community groups and investment in community facilities; enhancing the cultural and heritage offer; widening the use of community buildings; initiatives to help support our town centres.
     
  • Support local business: Helping local businesses invest for future growth; growing the food processing, horticulture and logistics sector; encouraging new businesses to establish; helping the local social and community enterprises to innovate and grow.
     
  • People and skills: Developing skills and employment opportunities within the fresh food, food processing and logistics sectors; creating new training hubs; supporting local residents with skills and access to employment.

The fund will be administered by the Council, with the decision making process supported through the expert insight and feedback of a new group made up of representatives from local businesses, community organisations, education providers, investors and other key sectors.

Eligible local organisations are able to submit their expressions of interest to the Council from today (24 January 2023). The Council is keen to hear from those able to deliver projects in the coming months, but are keen to stress that there is no rush to submit. All money will be allocated based on the quality and impact of the projects, not on a 'first-come, first-served' basis.

The full bidding guide for the funding and the expression of interest form is available on the Council's website at www.sholland.gov.uk/UKSPF.

Councillor Nick Worth, deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: "I am delighted that we are able to offer this new funding opportunity in South Holland, and have the opportunity to work with and support local organisations, including parish councils, to make a real difference to our residents, employees and businesses.

"I am looking forward to seeing some innovative and ambitious new projects and programmes getting underway over the next few years, and to witnessing the lasting impact they are able to make for our communities and economy."

 Sir John Hayes MP said: "It is superb news for Spalding and South Holland more broadly that the Government has granted £3.39 million. I was proud to work with the Council to deliver this for my constituents. It will make a huge difference to the wellbeing of local people now and in the future.

"I hope across our towns and villages individuals and community groups will come forward so I can back them in the way I backed the Levelling Up bid."