Council Inviting Applications to UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Organisations across South Tyneside are again being invited to apply for government funding for projects that support the growth and prosperity of the Borough.

Last year, South Tyneside received £8.87 million over three years from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK Government, which aims to 'build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK' as part of the Levelling Up agenda.

A local investment plan was developed and following an open call last summer, the council allocated funding to nine projects which met the scheme's objectives of Community and Place, Local Business and People and Skills, as well as complementing key local growth priorities. The projects focused on anti-poverty, anti-social behaviour, business start-up and an innovative Care Academy.

A further two projects from the initial call have now been identified to benefit, both of which will help deliver on the council's ambition to target support to make things fairer.

The South Tyneside Cultural Partnership is comprised of cultural organisations across the borough, and will help to deliver the Making Waves cultural strategy by focussing on boosting cultural engagement in the most disadvantaged wards in South Tyneside. 

The WHIST Food Fare project will develop a food partnership, support community growing projects and work with schools and community organisations to target those most in need, support households to manage their household budgets through food education and develop a network of suppliers that would regularly donate food waste, offering a sustainable solution for communities to access low-cost ingredients.

Now the council is issuing another open call for bids from projects focused on economic activity and community engagement, to access remaining funding.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport, said: "We have received confirmation from Government that due to the late start of UKSPF, we can carry forward funding into 23/24.

"Our refreshed South Tyneside Vision has a clear emphasis on financial security and connecting people to jobs and skills.

"Therefore, we are asking for projects to come forward that focus on engaging with local communities, particularly those in most disadvantaged areas of the borough with the highest rates of economic inactivity, removing barriers to employment and helping people move closer to the labour market."

The council will allocate up to £300k in 23/24 and £3.1m in 24/25. For further information, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/ukspf