The Government has announced the 500 successful projects for its £220 million Community Renewal Fund.
The fund, which is delivered by local authorities, is a precursor to the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which looks to support investment in jobs, local infrastructure and local businesses.
The UKSPF is replacing existing EU structural funding, which is due to end following Brexit.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chair of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: “We are pleased that councils have finally been given the go-ahead to deliver this important investment, which will bring opportunities for local communities and help them build back better from the pandemic.
“It is good that councils have been given the delivery responsibilities for this scheme. They are at the heart of their local communities and are best placed to bring together partners to deliver improvements to their local areas.
“Given the delay in announcing this funding, it is positive that the deadline for delivery has been extended until the end of June, something for which we have been calling.
“Councils look forward to working with the Government to learn from these schemes to design and deliver a successful long-term UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“Bringing more funds together into single pots, with greater flexibility and over longer time periods, will allow councils and their partners to deliver most effectively for their communities.”
