Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) has been given £22.7 million from the UK Government as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This fund has replaced the EU Structural Funds which were given to the Welsh Government for spending when the UK was part of the European Union. Now that we are no longer in the EU, the UK Government is fulfilling their promise of matching this funding, but instead allowing local authorities to determine how to spend the money in their areas, rather than Cardiff deciding.
As part of the Government’s wider Levelling Up agenda, the aim of the UKSPF is to target areas of the UK that need it most; boosting communities, local pride, supporting public services, improving the town centre, supporting employment, jobs and growth.
This fund is wide ranging, and there are many options for what it can be spent on. I am asking my constituents what they would like to see the money spent on, which I will then take forward to WCBC.
Wrexham Council has stated that the application process for £250,000 grants will be open from the 30th January until the 24th February. Apply here.
What Sarah has done so far to drive Wrexham Council forward with spending the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund:
- May 2022: Walkabout in Wrexham town centre asking local businesses and individuals what they want the money spent on.
- May 2022: Launched the Shared Prosperity Fund survey so that all residents and businesses in Wrexham could have their say.
- June 2022: Wrote to the Chief Executive of Wrexham Council to pass on your suggestions of how to spend the £22.7m from the Shared Prosperity Fund.
- November 2022: Wrote to the Chief Executive of Wrexham Council regarding the administration of the Shared Prosperity Fund allocation in Wrexham.
- Dec 2022: Received clarification from Wrexham Council regarding the opening date of applications for the first round of £250k grants from the Shared Prosperity Fund.
