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Thousands in cash up for grabs for rural corners of Somerset
Thousands of pounds is being allocated to rural communities across North Somerset – to help boost prosperity. North Somerset Council has launched a rural capital grant programme open to businesses and community groups across the district.
The money is available to areas with populations below 10,000 and towns over 30,000 which serve rural areas as centres of employment and services. Grants of between £3,000 and up to £30,000 can be applied for.
All projects must include an element of match funding with businesses contributing 25% funding and community organisations contributing 10% towards total project costs. The programme is funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) which has been launched as part of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
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The REPF supports activities that specifically address challenges rural areas face, such as lower productivity rates, limited connectivity and poorer access to key services. The programme will support businesses and community groups to develop new products, facilities or digital infrastructure that can provide essential services.
Funding is available for capital activity that will have a positive local impact, such as strengthening buildings and equipment or through investment in energy efficient and low carbon technologies. North Somerset Council executive member for spatial planing placemaking and economy, Councillor Mark Canniford said: “Following the launch of our other UKSPF-funded community grants and capacity building schemes, we are delighted to announce that we are further supporting local rural businesses and community groups with the launch of this grant.
“We’re really excited to have been allocated REPF funding to support productivity and prosperity in areas that need it the most. To foster a sense of local pride, we are investing in activities that enhance infrastructure as well as boosting social ties through creating jobs and making visible improvements to our local leisure sector facilities.
“There is an endless list of capital improvements this fund could be used for.” The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information click here.
