The Government has announced significant funding for Local Councils as campaigned for by Alicia Kearns MP. As part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Leicestershire County Council will receive £2,996,568, Harborough District Council will receive £2,172,095, Melton Borough Council will receive £1,191,970 and Rutland County Council will receive £1,144,326 in funding.
This money will be drawn from a £2.6 billion fund which forms a key component of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper aimed at transforming the UK and spreading opportunity and prosperity to all of our communities.
The Fund was launched on 13th April 2022 and lead local authorities across England were asked to submit a three-year investment plan in the Summer. All investment plans have now been approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and officials will agree the next steps with local authorities before payments are made.
Every part of the UK will receive a payment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund over the three years until the end of Financial Year 2024-25.
Alicia Kearns MP, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said:
“I am delighted that the Government has allocated a significant amount of funding to our local Councils through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This investment provides a welcome boost to productivity and growth within our local communities, creating vital employment and training opportunities for thousands. I am pleased to see a significant step being taken towards levelling up our rural quality of life across Rutland, Melton, the Vale and Harborough villages and I look forward to seeing how the money will be spent.”
Cllr Lucy Stephenson, Leader of Rutland County Council said:
“I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of the process of getting our investment plan together, including all of those that were part of the consultation process. Rutland deserves this investment into its economy, community and its people. We very much welcome the news from the Government regarding the release of Rutland’s share of the UKSPF funding and look forward to begin to push forward with our plans. We know this funding will have a big impact on our area.”
Cllr Joe Orson, Leader of Melton Borough Council said:
"I'm delighted the Government has endorsed our UKSPF Plan, which was widely supported by a range of local stakeholders. The funding will enable us to bring forward a range of measures to support our borough, including action to support residents with the cost of living crisis, boosting the prosperity of our town centre, and helping to attract new jobs and investment. I look forward to working with Alicia Kearns MP and wider partners to ensure this money works as hard as it can for our community."
