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UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

Communities and place, support for local businesses and people and skills

Following a successful bid, we have been awarded £1.54m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The funding will be used to deliver projects that aim to build pride in place and improve life chances. The total funding of £2.6 billion across the UK over three years is designed to replace former EU funding streams.

Some of the projects that the funding will deliver in Southampton include: 

  • Creating a welcoming cultural destination for visitors and communities, including new itineraries and experiences, by building on the legacy of Southampton’s UK City of Culture bid and the city’s unique heritage.
  • Enabling a Community Grants Scheme for local third sector providers to identify impactful interventions that require limited funding.
  • Building on the council’s existing GROW People project, which supports residents overcome barriers into work by providing cohesive, locally tailored support, including access to basic skills.
  • Enhancing the council’s GROW Business initiative across all sectors and phases of the business lifecycle by providing solutions and training that help businesses with digital, leadership, and net zero.
  • Additional support to complement the new British Library sponsored Business and IP Centre (BIPC). Housed on the first floor of Southampton Central Library, this enterprise hub helps entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses, projects, or ideas. It was formed in partnership with Southampton City Council and The British Library in 2022.
  • Installing CCTV units at key sites across Southampton to improve enforcement in waste removal and fly-tipping across neighbourhoods.