Neath Port Talbot Council is seeking applications for projects that can be delivered as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) on a dedicated website which is now ‘live’.

The UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda. Neath Port Talbot’s total three-year allocation is £27.3m in core funding plus £5.7m for projects to improve adult numeracy (in those over 19) under the ‘Multiply’ programme.

The fund will be ‘unlocked’ via a three year Investment Plan which has been approved by the UK Government.

All UKSPF funded projects need to address the challenges and opportunities as outlined in the South West Wales Regional Investment Plan.

The UKSPF in Neath Port Talbot will be delivered through Anchor Projects via Grant Schemes. The approved Anchor Projects for Neath Port Talbot are:

Place
Valleys and villages.
Sustainable communities.
Enhanced Business Support for Growth and Innovation.
Employability.

The Grant schemes come under the below headings:

Valleys and Village Prosperity Fund : It will provide funding for schemes such as; commercial property projects, Residential Units (Conversion), green infrastructure and biodiversity activities, public realm, shop frontage schemes, Active Travel initiatives and local leisure and recreational facilities.

Heritage, Culture and Tourism & Events Fund : It can accessed by public, private and voluntary sector partners to deliver priority heritage, culture and tourism projects and initiatives. It is also open to event organisers in the public, private and voluntary sectors for events which align with the Neath Port Talbot place brand and address UK SPF local and regional plans and priorities.

Sustainable Communities Growth Fund : Aimed at increasing support in Neath Port Talbot communities, addressing areas of need and concentrating on projects with poverty and equality as central themes. Projects delivering the greatest impact and value for money will be prioritised.

Business Investment and Start Up Grants: Grants of between £500 and £50,000 will be available for both capital and revenue investment projects for new business start-ups, existing businesses and inward investors.

Third Sector Growth Fund : Managed and delivered by Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service it will fund NPT voluntary organisations, charities social enterprises providing support for existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions, plus local arts, cultural, heritage and creative activities and impactful volunteering and/or social action projects. It will also invest in capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups.

Cllr Martyn Peters, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration said: “SPF money will invest in local priorities and target funding where there is evidence of need including: building pride in place; supporting high quality skills and training; supporting pay, employment and productivity growth and increasing life chances. This funding will directly fund communities and businesses in Neath Port Talbot.”