The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion across the UK, of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. This aligns with Levelling Up White Paper missions, particularly: 'By 2030, pride in place, such as people's satisfaction with their town centre and engagement in local culture and community, will have risen in every area of the UK, with the gap between the top performing and other areas closing.'
Delivery of the UKSPF across Great Britain is through local authorities, but in Wales it has been agreed that councils will work together on a regional basis. For the Mid Wales region, the lead authority is Ceredigion Council but both Powys and Ceredigion Councils will manage the local delivery of projects in their areas.
Growing Mid Wales works closely with the local delivery teams in Ceredigion and Powys County Councils in ensuring we have a broad mix of projects that will help us to achieve the opportunities and address the challenges in the region. To find out more about the projects that have been awarded funding in the region, read previous editions of our newsletter.
The SPF funding story so far in the region
Since Mid Wales' Regional Investment Plan was approved by the UK Government in December 2022, a total of 166* projects have been awarded funding in the region. Over a staggering £40 million has been committed to the projects.
*Further projects have been approved under the umbrella grant schemes such as Cynnal y Cardi in Ceredigion and Making a Difference in Powys
The Shared Prosperity Fund programme is broken down into 4 priority areas (figures from October 2024):
The range and diversity of these projects underpins Growing Mid Wales' ambition to take full advantage of the opportunities available to create and support economic and social growth.
From small grants helping to make a big difference to local businesses and communities, to projects to transform places and spaces, to training on areas such as green skills, digital and supporting our young people, the breadth of investment is impressive.
A fair and transparent approach
To ensure transparency and fairness as to how this funding was allocated, we have held a number of open calls for proposals for project activity taking place between April 2023 and December 2024.
Local Partnerships in both Ceredigion and Powys have had responsibility for considering and approving project applications. The partnerships are made up of representatives from organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Both local authorities have different financial allocations meaning that the content of the calls for applications may differ in each area.
Please visit the local authority websites for detailed information:
Ceredigion: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/MidWalesUKSPF
Powys: https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/14045/UK-Shared-Prosperity-Fund-Open-For-Applications
For more information email:
- Ceredigion - ukspf@ceredigion.gov.uk
- Powys - ukspf@powys.gov.uk
Multiply
The programme, which is part of the wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund, seeks to attract projects that aim to improve functional numeracy skills through free personal tutoring, digital training, and flexible courses.
Mid Wales UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Multiply Webinar 02nd of October 2023 - Presentation Slides:
UK Shared Prosperity Fund Multiply Webinar Presentation Slides (PDF) [1MB]
Mid Wales UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Multiply Webinar 02nd of October 2023 - Recording:
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