Skills training for the unemployed and investment in businesses developing low carbon technology are among around 500 projects set to benefit from a £220 million boost for local economies, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove announced today (3 November).
The Government is backing 477 locally led, innovative projects that will help breathe new life into areas, such as Stoke-on-Trent, across the UK as the Government delivers on its mission to level up the nation and commitment to net zero.
It is the latest significant tranche of funding for Levelling Up following last week’s Budget which saw £1.7 billion from the first round of the UK-wide Levelling Up Fund backing 105 projects, and the first 21 projects benefitting from the £150 million Community Ownership Fund. Residents will be aware that Stoke-on-Trent was lucky enough to be awarded three of the city’s regeneration projects. This has seen our city be successful in securing £56 million in funding.
Our great city is celebrating yet another success in government funding. Through the government’s Community Renewal Funds, it has been announced that Stoke-on-Trent will receive £2,780,463. Broken down, this money will go to the following local projects:
- SWITCH £442,000
- YES (Youth Employment and Skills) Consortium £527,446
- SHARP (Sector Hub Action Research Project) £516,787
- Discover: Boosting Digital Inclusion in Stoke-on-Trent £616,520
- Stoke-on-Trent Digital Innovation and Education Hub £599,015
- Support to work £78,675
The £220 million funding through the UK Community Renewal Fund will also help local areas prepare for the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2022, the scheme that will see UK-wide funding at least match EU money, reaching around £1.5 billion a year.
Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said:
“This is another huge win for Stoke-on-Trent. It was incredible to hear last weeks announcement that Stoke-on-Trent will be receiving £56 million of levelling up funding. To hear that we are now going to receive over £2.7 million towards some of our most vital community services is incredible.
I think it is fair that we have now put the days of our city being overlooked in the past. We are without doubt at the front of the Government’s mind. These projects will make a huge difference in creating opportunities and levelling up communities right across our city”
Jonathan Gullis, MP Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, Said:
“On the back of our success with not one, not two, but all three of our Levelling Up Fund bids being accepted today’s announcement is simply wonderful news.
The £2.7 million of funding under the Community Renewal Funds will go towards some of our most important local projects, unlocking truly transformational opportunities for Stokies.
As I have said before, under this Chancellor, this Prime Minister and this Government, Stoke-on-Trent is forgotten no longer.”
Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central:
“I am delighted that Stoke-on-Trent has received £2.7 million from the Community Renewal Fund for six great collaborative projects which will deliver a range of pilot schemes in education, skills, work readiness and digital inclusion and innovation, ahead of the greater funding opportunities next year in the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Following on from our £56 million success for levelling up in the Budget, which will see three key regeneration projects delivered, this demonstrates the Government's commitment to empowering our local community to develop local solutions to these important issues.”
Cllr Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added:
“The Community Renewal Funding is a fantastic opportunity to invest in our communities, and as one of the 100 priority places selected for this fund, I’m really pleased to see us awarded funding to enable residents to upskill, get better jobs and improve digital skills. The quality of projects put forward was so high, which we can see in terms of securing over £2.7m of the £3m available, and will be delivered by a number of fantastic local organisations and groups. This will make a real difference to residents right across Stoke-on-Trent.”
