Lead Member: Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

Lead Officer: Kassandra Polyzoides, Interim Service Director – Place Shaping

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Noted the high-performance of the delivery of Shropshire’s UKSPF programme, including the achievement against spend, outcomes and outputs targets.  

2.     Noted the findings and recommendations from the independent Shropshire UKSPF programme evaluation.  

3.     Recognised the decline of external funding in Shropshire post UKSPF and the implications leading from this,  

4.     Agreed to formally write to Government and its departments noting concerns around the loss of funding to rural and non-Combined Authority Regions and the implications that this will have for Shropshire.  

5.     Supported the effort to promote UKSPF and its legacy as a good news story, whilst also communicating effectively to its residents and businesses that the Council is continuing to lobby Government for fair access to future growth funds.

The Deputy Leader presented the report on the delivery and outcomes of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme in Shropshire. Members noted that the programme had supported a wide range of projects across the county, including business support, skills development, cultural initiatives, community projects, heritage improvements and employment programmes. The independent evaluation concluded that the programme had been effectively managed and had delivered positive outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.

Cabinet welcomed the achievements of the programme and commended officers and partner organisations for their work in delivering projects and securing benefits for Shropshire. Members highlighted successful investment in town centres, rural communities, skills initiatives and employment support, together with projects that had strengthened local communities and supported economic growth.

Members discussed the benefits delivered through the funding programme, concerns regarding the ending of the fund in September 2026, and the absence of a replacement funding stream for rural authorities. Members expressed concern that rural counties could be disadvantaged by future funding arrangements and emphasised the importance of continued support for economic development, community projects and business growth.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Noted the high-performance of the delivery of Shropshire’s UKSPF programme, including the achievement against spend, outcomes and outputs targets.  

2.     Noted the findings and recommendations from the independent Shropshire UKSPF programme evaluation.  

3.     Recognised the decline of external funding in Shropshire post UKSPF and the implications leading from this,  

4.     Agreed to formally write to Government and its departments noting concerns around the loss of funding to rural and non-Combined Authority Regions and the implications that this will have for Shropshire.  

5.     Supported the effort to promote UKSPF and its legacy as a good news story, whilst also communicating effectively to its residents and businesses that the Council is continuing to lobby Government for fair access to future growth funds.