Council approves allocation of £327,146 UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Cabinet members at Castle Point Borough Council have approved the allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025/26.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced in the Autumn Budget that Castle Point would receive £327,146 under the scheme, which aims to enhance pride in place and improve life chances through investment in communities, local businesses, and people.
The full £327,146 is allocated across the year, including £61,000 directed to vital capital projects. This funding will contribute to a range of initiatives designed to transform communities and improve residents' quality of life, including:
- Castle Point Business Accelerator: An extension of this successful scheme which has proven to grow businesses and create jobs. Extra support will be given to women in business and older people starting new businesses.
- Hadleigh Vision: A community-developed vision for Hadleigh Town Centre that will make a noticeable improvement to the area while long-term planning continues.
- Engagement Through Art: As a priority area for cultural investment, Castle Point is gaining momentum in the arts, with projects that have already enhanced health and wellbeing and attracted interest from the Arts Council and Creative Estuary.
- Community Small Grants Scheme: Building on the success of previous schemes, these small pots of money make a large difference to community groups, programmes and assets.
- Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Programmes: Equipping young people with essential skills for employment and fostering entrepreneurial spirit through local training and initiatives like the Earniversity programme.
- Youth Physical Activity Engagement: Expanding the success of the Sports England Place Partnership, providing sport and physical activity programmes across parks and green spaces in Canvey, Benfleet, Hadleigh, and Thundersley.
Cllr Tom Gibson, Portfolio Holder for Special Projects and Assets said: "The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is an incredible opportunity to invest in our community, our young people, and the future of Castle Point. These projects not only reflect our commitment to enriching lives and creating opportunities but also strengthen our vision for a thriving borough that residents can be proud of."
For further details about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, visit www.castlepoint.gov.uk/ukspf