Businesses and communities in East Lindsey are set to benefit from £6.14million of new funding secured by the District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
The Council has invited eligible local organisations to submit expressions of interest for the funding, which will help to support the delivery of projects and programmes that help to build pride in place, provide high quality skills training and increase life chances across the district.
£4.44million has been awarded to East Lindsey by the Government through the UKSPF, with a further £1.7million available through the REPF, a separate fund focused on addressing the specific challenges faced by rural areas. All of the funding must have been invested by 31 March 2025.
Investment in local projects and programmes will be focused around three key themes, with further priorities identified by the Council as part of the original application process:
- Communities and place: Supporting our market towns; using the Lincolnshire Wolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; strengthening the district’s hospitality and tourism offer; investment in community facilities; enhancing the cultural and heritage offer.
- Support local business: Helping local businesses invest for future growth; encouraging new businesses to establish; helping local social and community enterprises to innovate and grow.
- People and skills: Focusing on the training and development needs of the visitor economy and tourism sector; supporting social enterprises and sporting organisation to deliver training and development in the community; creating new training hubs.
The fund will be administered by the Council, with the decision making process supported through the expert insight and feedback of a group made up of representatives from local businesses, community organisations, education providers, investors and other key sectors.
The Council is keen to hear from those able to deliver projects in the coming months, but is keen to stress that there is no rush to submit. All money will be allocated based on the quality and impact of the projects, not on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.
The full bidding guide for the funding and the expression of interest form is available on the Council’s website at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/UKSPF.
Councillor Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, said: “This new Government funding offers a fantastic opportunity for the district, and will give local organisations a chance to make a real difference to residents, businesses, visitors and workers in East Lindsey through innovative new projects and programmes.
“I am excited to see expressions of interest start coming in and work getting underway, to ensure we see the maximum possible benefit of this support and can make a positive and lasting impact for our communities and economy.”
Victoria Atkins MP said: “I am so pleased to hear that East Lindsey District Council has received over £6 million in funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
“These investments will ensure that our local communities and places continue to thrive and that our local businesses are supported and enabled to strengthen and grow. While the people of Louth and Horncastle receive the best training to develop and prosper.
“I would encourage all to have a look and apply!”
Matt Warman MP said: “Today’s £6.14 million Shared Prosperity funding to East Lindsey comes on top of the £48.4 million Town Deal and £8 million in Levelling Up Funding and shows the Government’s commitment to Levelling Up East Lindsey and Lincolnshire as a whole. It represents a huge vote of confidence in the vision for regeneration and growth put forward by East Lindsey District Council and the Connected Coast board.
“The request for expressions of interest for projects meeting the three priorities of this latest fund is a great opportunity for even more local organisations to join in driving innovation, growth and community in our district.
