Shropshire Council awarded £12.4 million to support local economy

Shropshire Council has been awarded £12.4 million of UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to support levelling up initiatives across and within the county.

The council submitted an investment plan to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in August 2022 and now, following the award, can actively work with stakeholders to explore possible projects.

The funding, in place until 2025, has been set up to succeed and improve upon previous EU funding from the European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund.

There are three investment priorities within the funding parameters: communities and place, local businesses, and people and skills.

Mark Barrow, Shropshire Council’s executive director of place, said:

“We’re really pleased to confirm the £12.4 million of UKSPF funding here at Shropshire Council.

“We’re confident the funding scheme will allow us much more flexibility and autonomy as a council to allocate funding where we see best fit for our communities and businesses.

“Very soon we will be identifying opportunities for activities that can commence before April, and will keep our website up-to-date with the latest information.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth, regeneration and housing, said:

“This funding will help to ease the pressure on our local businesses and communities during difficult times, and provide some much-needed new opportunities in Shropshire.

“We are a rural and sparsely populated county which tends to make simple, day-to-day things that little bit more expensive. We hope that the funds can help tackle some of these issues and want to work with stakeholders and partners to address the county’s priorities moving forwards.

“This could be through regeneration projects, upskilling our workforces or boosting economic recovery in our market towns.

“Watch this space for further information on how to apply for the funds.”