Rutland County Council secures £1million towards town centre improvements

Rutland County Council’s bid to secure a £1 million allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, as well as £144,325 of Multiply funding to support adult numeracy programmes, has been successful.

The council submitted an evidence-based investment plan to Government earlier in the year and has received confirmation that the bid was been successful, meaning significant investment will take place over the next three years.

The money will be used towards town centre and cultural improvements, travel enhancements, improvement in Rutland’s visitor economy, infrastructure improvements supporting skills and the local economy.

This investment will take place over a three-year period, from 2022/23 to 2024/25, with most of the funding being allocated within year three.

Coun Lucy Stephenson (Con), leader of Rutland County Council, said: “We are delighted that our investment plan has been approved and Rutland will now benefit from UKSPF funding.

“I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of the process of getting our investment plan together, including all of those that were part of the consultation process. Rutland deserves this investment into its economy, community and its people, therefore we are excited to begin to push forward with our plans.

"The council has been looking at evidence to support and improve Rutland’s special and vibrant economy, working with local businesses and partners. We will finalise this by Summer 2023 and publish an economic strategy. The new strategy will shape where we invest the £1 million to have the greatest impact in meeting the future needs of our residents and economy.”

The extensive Future Rutland Conversation undertaken by Rutland County Council in 2021 to gather input from members of the community provided a basis to inform the development of the county’s UKSPF investment plans, given the comprehensive engagement with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.