The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – funded by the UK Government – supports a range of projects in Glasgow by investing in local priorities and targeting funding where it is needed most: by building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment, and productivity growth, and increasing life chances.
Glasgow has a £27.2million UKSPF allocation over three years, and the key investment priorities for the programme are:
· Communities and Place – a mix of capital and revenue projects which support local third sector organisations, local infrastructure projects and help achieve the city’s net zero targets.
· Supporting Local Business – provides a mix of financial support and expert professional advice for local businesses to support economic growth.
· People and Skills – supports a range of labour market and skills interventions tailored and responsive to the needs of people of all ages who want help and support on their journey towards, and in work – particularly people with health conditions, disabled people and others who are disadvantaged in the labour market.
· Multiply – a range of interventions to improve numeracy skills and support access to further training and labour market opportunities.
Under the Communities and Place investment priority the Glasgow Communities and Place Fund is being delivered by a range of third sector organisations across the city and has seen the creation of 75 jobs with a further 227 jobs safeguarded. In addition, almost 2,700 community activities and events have been delivered.
Projects in the Supporting Local Business investment priority provide a range of support including start-up grants; a business growth framework; green business grants; tech community support; and tech ecosystem growth.
With regard to People and Skills, UKSPF funding has been distributed to over 40 organisations with these services engaging with around 3,000 individuals. As a result of this support over 400 moved into work, more than 400 achieved a qualification and over 400 entered education. Others engaged continue to be supported in overcoming barriers and to move into employment.
The Multiply programme saw the delivery of a blend of community and college-based learning opportunities and activities to improve numeracy skills at all levels. More than 5,100 people participated in the programme.
More detail on Glasgow’s UKSPF projects and programmes – including a number of case studies – is available at: https://viewer.foleon.com/preview/lj436u03vy/
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Moving towards net zero, while creating and projecting jobs; helping businesses grow and supporting people into the labour market are all priorities for the city – and Glasgow has been sure to be ready to access these programmes and secure investment worth more than £27million for local people and businesses.”