Published: Tuesday 14th February 2023 | 2.29pm
Last week Cannock Chase Council, together with project sponsors Staffordshire University, Birmingham City Council and South Staffordshire College showcased their vision for delivering projects using the shared prosperity funding in Cannock Chase.
In December 2022 the Council were allocated just over £3m by the Government from the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This money was allocated after the Council submitted an investment plan in Summer 2022. The plan includes 13 projects submitted by local enterprises, parish and town councils and community groups. The funding is to be invested in projects that will benefit local businesses and our local economy.
The UKSPF has three investment themes; Community and Place, Supporting Local Businesses and People and Skills. A number of initiatives have been approved for this funding so far, these include:
Communities & Place
• Climate Change and Fuel Poverty Advice
• Poverty Benefits Adviser
• Thriving Communities
• Net Zero Spaces & Places
• Creative workspaces fund
Supporting local businesses
• Business support
• Enterprise Support & Advice
• Net Zero Pathfinder
• Digital Accelerator
• Construction Excellence Initiative – phase 1
People & Skills
• Construction Excellence Initiative – phase 2
• Choices
• Connecting communities
Councillor Mike Sutherland Portfolio Leader for District and High Street Development said “It is an exciting time for Cannock Chase. This funding is another strand of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which we have already received £20million for Cannock Town, this extra funding can be spent District wide and we will be able to target the investment where it is needed.
“Working with our project sponsors we already have a number of exciting initiatives planned across the District and hopefully many more to come.”
A project board will be set up to ensure that the funding is spent in line with the investment plan and in the time frame specified.
Photo L-R:
Andy Cartwright from South Staffordshire College
Councillor Mike Sutherland Portfolio Leader for District and High Street Development
Dean Piper Head of Economic Prosperity at Cannock Chase Council
Councillor Olivia Lyons Leader at Cannock Chase Council
Marek Hornak from Staffordshire University
Debbie Harris Economic Development Manager at Cannock Chase Council