Key partners and stakeholders from across South Kesteven have joined forces to form a Local Economic Forum (LEF) to help manage and deliver the district’s £3.9m allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The LEF will use its local knowledge and expertise to guide decision-making and consult on future strategies, initiatives and funding programmes delivered by the UKSPF.
The LEF’s inaugural meeting was held earlier this week (18th July) at the Bourne Corn Exchange with a full update on UKSPF allocations approved so far, and a detailed outline of the three-year programme’s priorities.
Cllr Philip Knowles, SKDC Cabinet Member for Governance and Licensing is also Chair of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund Board.
He said: “The LEF is an opportunity to get the right people in a room together, starting conversations and working together to support businesses, community groups, skills providers and projects across South Kesteven.
“There is funding available to reach all four corners of the District so it is important that we work with key partners and stakeholders to shape future activity, enhance positive projects and help to establish long-lasting initiatives in our communities.”
Andy Pelling, Chair of the Deepings Business Community, said: “I found the Forum informative and useful.
“It was good to have a mix of council, business people and support organisations all in the same room to discuss ways to most effectively use the government’s shared prosperity fund within the district.”
Amy Clark, Growth Hub Adviser at Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, said: “I was delighted to be a part of the Local Economic Forum, focusing on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for businesses in South Kesteven.
“The forum will be immensely valuable for businesses in our region, offering numerous benefits and opportunities for growth. The updates were crucial for me as the local adviser to stay up-to-date and provide the most relevant and accurate guidance.”
The Council’s Economic Development Team shared updates on the UKSPF, Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and its forthcoming draft Economic Development Strategy.
The Council has already committed £1.5m from its UKSPF allocation to projects across the district around three key investment priorities – communities and place; supporting local businesses; and people and skills.
Sports and education charity Inspire+ has received funding for a programme of health and wellbeing initiatives.
Its Chief Executive Vincent Brittain said: “The Forum is a great way of bringing together the local community and a range of people with shared interests, allowing transparency over how the Shared Prosperity Fund is working and updating us on allocations so far.
“This money is very important, and it’s been useful to explain how our grant will benefit children and adults of South Kesteven.”
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