John has welcomed the news of substantial allocations of funds to our local councils from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. South Oxfordshire District Council has been awarded £1,000,000 and Oxfordshire County Council £2,578,456.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund comprises £2.6 billion of funding being allocated to help spread opportunity reduce inequalities between communities. It is part of the Government’s wider levelling up agenda.
The money will be given to locally elected authorities and leaders who best know what their communities need – helping to slash bureaucracy and support communities in seizing new opportunities. Local Authorities will need to submit their plans for spending the money which could be used for a range of projects from regenerating rundown high streets to fighting anti-social behaviour and crime.
John said: “I welcome the investment of this money across the country and am pleased to see substantial allocations to our local councils. I look forward to seeing our local council's plans for expenditure.”
All places have their challenges, with affluence and deprivation often coexisting. In recognition of this, the UKSPF amounts to a predictable, long-term funding stream which local leaders are free to use as they see fit to unleash their unique potential. They can focus on what works best for their communities, including in new and innovative combinations.
Commenting, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “We have taken back control of our money from the EU and we are empowering local communities to deliver on their priorities, rather than unelected bureaucrats in Brussels. By targeting this funding at areas of the country that need it the most, we will help spread opportunity and level up in every part of the United Kingdom.”
