Newark and Sherwood District Council to continue supporting communities and businesses through extra year of UK Shared Prosperity Funding

A funding scheme which has supported 342 businesses and delivered 120 community events has been extended for an additional year — with a £1.3m boost expected for the district.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is expected to be allocated a 12-month extension of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to continue to support projects in the area, to March 2026.

The programme originally began in December 2022, when the council successfully secured £3.29 million to facilitate activities across three themes; communities and place, supporting businesses, and people and skills.

Since then the scheme has supported 342 businesses, created and safeguarded more than 100 jobs, planted more than 3,000 trees, supported more than 250 residents to gain skills, helped more than 650 residents volunteer, delivered 120 community events, and more.

A further £891,000 top-up from Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) successfully supported a variety of community groups, sports clubs, charities and businesses in rural areas of the district.

At a cabinet meeting on January 18, Lee Brazier described these schemes as “fundamental in the uplift of society”, noting the benefits of a recent programme which allowed young people to learn and debate in a safe environment, and even visit parliament.

Deputy leader Rowan Cozens added: “I like the way this is practised, people to people. It’s not massive infrastructure, it’s people with experience who know how to target it.”

For the one-year extension, a regional UKSPF sum of approximately £25m has been allocated to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, which intends to award funding to district and borough councils.

Newark and Sherwood District Council expects approximately £1.345m for the year — which it will use to continue delivery of existing services valued by residents and businesses while longer term funding plans are considered by Government.

This includes workshops and advice services for businesses, skills and volunteering opportunities, a tree planting programme, regeneration projects, and support to gain skills for employment.

In a statement after the meeting, Claire Penny, portfolio holder for sustainable economic development, said: “It is encouraging that we can continue with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for at least another year, which will assist us in supporting the local economy during a crucial period.

“I have seen first hand how this fund benefits local groups and people, so it is reassuring to see its continuation. We have already identified numerous key projects that will benefit from this funding, providing significant support to the local area.”