Waverley Borough Council has been allocated a total of £1.4 million of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants towards key projects in disadvantaged areas of the borough. These funds have been earmarked to support rural communities and local businesses, and increase opportunities for residents in Waverley.
The council are entering into funding agreements with 14 projects, including four Wellbeing Hubs in Farnham, Cranleigh, Godalming and Haslemere, the Hoppa Community Transport scheme, a domestic abuse community support programme, and a new mobile Youth and Community Service. There are also funds to encourage business sustainability and net zero targets.
These projects have gone through a robust internal and external governance route, involving local community groups, business representatives and local MPs. All projects will be monitored throughout the funding period and required to deliver clear outcomes to be reported back to the government.
Councillor Liz Townsend BEM, Waverley Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, said: “Working with our local economic advisory forum, we have put careful consideration into the distribution of these grants to provide funding for projects that will have a significant impact where it’s needed most in Waverley.”
She added: "These funds will go towards key projects in disadvantaged areas across the borough and will provide vital facilities for those communities. As a council, we are committed to creating sustainable, healthy and inclusive communities and we believe that these projects are a step towards achieving these goals.”
The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities allocated Waverley Borough Council £1 million of UKSPF grant in April 2022 and DEFRA allocated a further £400,000 grant funding in September 2022 through the REPF to support rural communities. The council submitted an investment plan to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 30 July which was then approved in November.
For more information on the UKSPF and REPF, how the funds will be distributed and for more details on the projects, visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund (waverley.gov.uk)
For privacy notice information, visit: Waverley Borough Council - Privacy notice UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund