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Issue - meetings

UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund update

 

 

Meeting: 06/02/2025 - Cabinet (Item 64)

64 UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund update February 2025 pdf icon PDF 566 KB

Purpose

To update Cabinet on the delivery of UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund projects to date and seek approval for the approach to delivery of UKSPF projects in 2025/26 along with the necessary delegations.

 

Recommendation

That Cabinet resolves to:

  1. Note the progress with the delivery of UKSPF and REPF projects to date.
  2. Note that the Council has been awarded UKSPF funding of £327,146 for 2025/26.
  3. Agree to allocate up to £140,000 of funding for 2025/26 to Cirencester Growth Hub and up to £50,000 to a local employment and skills project
  4. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, to allocate the remaining funding, having regard to the recommendations of the UKSPF Assessment Panel.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet on the delivery of UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund projects to date and seek approval for the approach to the delivery of UKSPF projects in 2025/26 along with the necessary delegations.

 

In Councillor Wilkinson’s absence Councillor Harris, Leader of the Council, introduced the item.

 

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Harris, Leader, and seconded by Councillor Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.  This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.

 

RESOLVED that Cabinet :

1.     Noted the progress with the delivery of UKSPF and REPF projects to date.

2.     Noted that the Council has been awarded UKSPF funding of £327,146 for 2025/26.

3.     Agreed to allocate up to £140,000 of funding for 2025/26 to Cirencester Growth Hub and up to £50,000 to a local employment and skills project

4.     Delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, to allocate the remaining funding, having regard to the recommendations of the UKSPF Assessment Panel.

 

Voting Record 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention

 

 

Minutes:

The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet on the delivery of UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund projects to date and seek approval for the approach to the delivery of UKSPF projects in 2025/26 along with the necessary delegations.

 

In Councillor Wilkinson’s absence Councillor Harris, Leader of the Council, introduced the item.

 

The report highlighted the successful attribution of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) & Rural England Prosperity Fund grants which had funded multiple projects over recent years, delivering tangible benefits to the district.

 

It was highlighted that the Council remained committed to strong communities, sustainable economic growth, and climate action.

 

The grants had funded strategic investment supporting communities, local businesses, and skills development.

 

Recent key achievements were mentioned including:

  • Cirencester Growth Hub: Became the county’s top-performing hub, supporting businesses despite the loss of EU funding.
  • Grace Network Project: Repurposed the historic House of Fraser building, preserving heritage and boosting the local economy.
  • Cost of Living Support: Investments helped struggling residents, particularly with food support initiatives.
  • Village Hall Improvements: Funded sustainability measures, including solar panels and insulation, aligning with climate goals.
  • Gloucestershire Employment & Skills Hub: Assisted economically inactive residents in returning to work, training, or volunteering.

 

Future plans (2025-26) were discussed with the £327,000 additional funding to be invested in business skills, community support, and climate-aligned projects.

 

It was confirmed that there would be ongoing funding for the Growth Hub and employment programmes, alongside new opportunities for engagement. Expressions of interest had already been received for efficient and effective projects delivering real benefits to residents.

 

Special thanks were extended to officers, stakeholders, and community partners, with special recognition for Councillors Tony Dale and Tristan Wilkinson, and the Economic Development Lead.

 

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Harris, Leader, and seconded by Councillor Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.

 

Voting Record 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention

 

 

 

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