Further support for economic growth to be discussed
Growth, plans and policies07 February 2025
Government funding designed to help boost the economy is on the North Northamptonshire Council Executive agenda.
The council’s Executive will be asked to approve a report which covers two important programmes:
- UK Shared Prosperity Funding
- Connect to Work Programme
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been running since 2022/23 and Government has confirmed it will run for a fourth year from April 2025, with North Northamptonshire receiving an allocation of £1,581,860 for the coming year.
Up to this point, the council have received an allocation of £4.8m alongside £1.1m from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and £1.9m to invest in adult numeracy.
It is proposed that the allocation for 2025/26 covers a wide range of projects designed to help with economic growth including further work to develop the visitor economy, the continuation of the HiStreet initiative, decarbonisation programmes and grants to support innovation, boost growth and create jobs.
The Connect to Work programme is a new initiative from Government and will replace the Universal Support programme, run by the Department of Work & Pensions.
The new C2W programme would enable the council to develop a plan to tackle economic inactivity and expand employment opportunities for those not working. It is hoped that the C2W programme will help those with barriers to work find sustainable work. The Executive report proposes that a local delivery plan for North Northamptonshire which will enable the council to secure funding needed to manage and deliver the programme, working with local businesses and other stakeholders in the area.
The allocation we have already received from Government under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has reached communities across the North Northamptonshire area and we hope this next allocation will do the same.Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration
When funds like this combine with schemes like Connect to Work, we can really start to see the difference to the economy in North Northants.
As a council, we’re always looking for ways to help residents whilst boosting the local economy, with the UK SPF contributing to successful projects including helping business start ups and supporting over 100 community projects.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
In the case of the Connect to Work programme - we’ll be working to develop a local plan for the area working with neighbouring councils to harness this togetherness to benefit those living in the area.
North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet on Thursday 13 February at 10am at the Corby Cube and the papers are now available online. The meeting will be live streamed on YouTube.