The three MPs for Stoke-on-Trent have welcomed the news that as part of £2.6 billion of levelling up funding awarded to communities across the UK through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (‘UKSPF’), the Government has awarded £11,032,937 to Stoke-on-Trent.
The Fund will help level up communities by enabling local stakeholders to commission a wide variety of initiatives to ensure that where an individual is born does not determine the success and opportunities afforded to them. From delivering numeracy skills for better employment prospects to regenerating our high streets and tackling anti-social behaviour, the Shared Prosperity Fund will enable the city to deliver on its priorities. UKSPF will be distributed by the City Council and will support many organisations working with communities across the city in the vital work they provide.
Jo Gideon MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central said:
“The Shared Prosperity Fund will provide an important resource for the city to deliver its key priorities. I hosted a charities roundtable recently to highlight the opportunities it will provide and to encourage a bigger conversation about how we might work together effectively. Stoke-on-Trent has a wealth of community support - including neighbourhood groups, local and national charities and public and private sector partners. We are stronger together.”
Jack Brereton MP for Stoke-on-Trent South said:
“I am delighted to hear that Stoke-on-Trent will receive over £11 million from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. One of my main aims is to ensure that residents in Stoke-on-Trent are given the same opportunities as those in rest of the country. This money shows that the Government is focused on spreading opportunities and ambition into cities like ours. I will be focused on ensuring this investment delivers on the improvements our city needs.”
Jonathan Gullis MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove & Talke said:
“The announcement of £11 million of funding for Stoke-on-Trent from the Shared Prosperity Fund is wonderful news.
As an ex-teacher I am especially happy with the confirmation of £1.5 million of funding for adult numeracy in our great city. For levelling up to really have an impact we need to ensure everyone has the skills and learning they need to succeed. At the moment we lag behind the rest of the country in terms of educational outcomes and so this funding will make a real difference in the Potteries.”
The funding is part of the Government’s commitment to enable communities to decide on and deliver their own priorities. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove commented:
“We have taken back control of our money from the EU and we are empowering those who know their communities best to deliver on their priorities. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help to unleash the creativity and talent of communities that have for too long been overlooked and undervalued.”
