Fenland to benefit from £1.2million from Shared Prosperity Fund

Projects to tackle fly-tipping and provide engaging activities for youths to divert them from getting involved in anti-social behaviour will also benefit from the funding.

At its most recent meeting (on Monday Jan 30), Fenland District Council's Cabinet agreed to enter into an agreement to accept the Shared Prosperity Fund funding from Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.

It comes after central Government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) approved Fenland District Council's proposed Shared Prosperity Fund projects.

Cllr Chris Boden, Fenland District Council leader, said: "We're delighted the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) recognised the value of these projects and agreed funding for them.

"All of the projects will make a direct and pivotal difference to the people, businesses and arts and cultural offer of Fenland."

The projects will be delivered between now and the end of March 2025.

Fenland Investment in Business

A £908k slice is for a 'Fenland Investment in Business' project.

This project will target local businesses with a desire to grow, expand into new markets, create more jobs, increase profitability and productivity, who need support to do so.

The project creates a significant grant fund open to Fenland businesses to support innovation, skill development and automation to improve productivity, research and development, energy saving and boost long-term skilled employment in the district.

Amplifying Community Arts and Culture

A £120k chunk of the funding is to be used to engage local creative providers to develop more opportunities for the community to engage in creative activities.

This work will include upskilling the creative community about communication and advertising of creative opportunities to ensure activity remains sustainable through an increased number of attendees.

The project will also upskill the creative community in searching and applying for grants to further amplify what is available in Fenland.

Targeting anti-social behaviour

A total of £84,000 of the funding is to be used to support two projects with partners in Wisbech to develop creative and engaging ways to divert young people from anti-social behaviour.

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority all-ages careers project

In addition, £131k will support a Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority project to enable an all-age careers service across its area, including in Fenland.

It includes aims around helping individuals back to work, funded internships and working with businesses on skills development opportunities and inclusive recruitment practices to meet skills shortages.

A further £4k of funding has been allocated to fund an area-wide Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) project focused on fly tipping.

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February 2023