51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp

New support for jobs and businesses confirmed

Projects aimed at growing employment, supporting businesses and helping those most in need across 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute are in line for a major boost, following confirmation of new UK Government funding.

At a meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee (ED&I), councillors were updated on a range of initiatives which, following Government approval, will receive around £4.5 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Activities included in the 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan focus on three key investment priorities - communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people and skills.

A wide range of community and third sector organisations will receive backing including 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp & the Isles Tourism Co-operative (AITC), Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), InspirAlba and Third Sector Interface (TSI) 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute.

Across the three investment priorities, 19 separate projects will benefit from core UKSPF funding, plus support for three adult numeracy programmes under the ring-fenced Multiply funding, until 2025 including:

Communities and Place

  • Tourism Marketing Support
  • Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group
  • Extension of Shaping Places for Wellbeing support
  • Vibrant and Living Places
  • Extension of Flexible Food Fund
  • Community Hubs
  • Pre-loved School Uniform project

Supporting Local Businesses

  • Tourism Sector Support
  • Scientific Robotics Academy
  • Innovation Support Service
  • Graduate Apprenticeship Opportunities in the Third Sector
  • Graduate Placement Programme
  • Business Support Package for local SMEs

People and Skills

  • Adult Literacy and Numeracy Programme (element of Multiply funding)
  • Expansion of the Wider Achievement Programme
  • Pre-Employability Support Programme Work Placements
  • Positive Destinations Programme
  • Pre-Employability Support Programme Training
  • Supported Employment Experience in the Third Sector
  • Multiply – currently two adult numeracy programmes.

Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council said: “Securing such a significant amount from UKSPF will be enormously valuable in helping to increase opportunities for both our people and our local businesses.  

“At a time when so many people in our communities are facing difficult challenges, not least in terms of the cost of living crisis, this new funding support will play a crucial part in delivering support to those who need it most and boost the longer term economic success of 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute.â€

Read the full report on the council website.

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