The government has confirmed an additional £4.3m funding boost to
drive growth and reduce inequality across Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough.
The funding, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), is a
key element of the government's Levelling Up agenda, which will
inject £2.6 billion into local investments by April 2025.
Every UK region will receive a share, empowering local areas to
leverage their unique strengths. From boosting productivity to
fostering community spirit, the goal is to build pride and
enhance life chances across the UK.
Previously, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined
Authority received nearly £10m in April 2022 for three years of
funding from Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government
(MHCLG), resulting in £3m per year for projects. The scheme is
funding 38 projects across various districts and city councils.
The projects are scheduled to be completed by March 2025, click
here to see the full list: https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/UK-SPF-projects-final.xlsx
The funding has facilitated a range of projects throughout the
region. A few examples are highlighted below:
Cambridge City has launched projects to support
communities in deprived areas, helping people access
opportunities and skills to maximise their potential and
ambitions.
East Cambridgeshire has provided grants to
stimulate business growth, including establishing a Skills and
Employment Hub to boost computer literacy and a scheme to promote
regional tourism.
Fenland's initiatives feature innovative grant
schemes for businesses, programs to engage young people in arts
and culture to reduce anti-social behaviour and a scheme to
reduce fly-tipping.
Huntingdonshire has advocated for future
investment in active travel routes, supported small and medium
sized businesses in the manufacturing sector and improved access
to skills development.
Peterborough projects include community centre
facilities offering activities and support, a scheme to increase
and enhance digital skills and a scheme which will help the city
mitigate food and climate change risks.
South Cambridgeshire includes a scheme to
improve green spaces in communities and create a Community Centre
and Local Centre amenities in Northstowe. Library schemes to
support business startups, particularly for women and ethnic
minorities, through UKSPF funding.
Dr , Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
said:
“£4.3m is a huge and welcome boost for our region-wide efforts
tackling inequality and deprivation. As a Combined Authority, our
core purpose is to make life better, healthier and fairer for all
and this new funding from government brings us closer to that
goal.”
Chair of the Business Board, Al Kingsley said:
“Delighted to welcome additional funding from UKSPF, which will
make a positive contribution Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
“This funding will empower local areas to make positive changes
in our communities, which will make a difference to our economy,
environment and most importantly individuals in Cambridgeshire
and Peterborough.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible and I will be
looking forward to seeing the projects progress.”
Details on how local city and district councils can submit bids
for project funding will be released in the New Year.
