UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025/26
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) proactively supports Mission-delivery: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.
The UK government’s Autumn Budget announced a further £900 million of funding for local investment by March 2026. All areas of the UK are receiving a further allocation of UKSPF - helping places take advantage of the Fund’s flexibility and plan for delivery from April 2025.
West Lancashire Brough Council has been allocated £1,318,222 that will support the delivery of a wide range of projects across the three investment themes below:
Communities & Place
A significant initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the community, closing health equality gaps and supporting the resilience of our vital third sector organisations. This includes activities that
community infrastructure, local green spaces, and innovative approaches
to crime prevention.
Supporting Local Businesses
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) "Supporting Local Business" strand focuses on boosting local economies by supporting businesses. This strand aims to foster innovation, encourage growth, increase job opportunities, and enhance productivity within local businesses.
People & Skills
People and Skills programme aims to improve local growth by supporting people to gain skills and move into employment. The program focuses on essential skills like numeracy, literacy, digital skills, and employment-related skills, while also addressing barriers to employment and providing tailored support.
West Lancashire – Approved UKSPF Projects 2025/26
| UKSPF Projects 2025/26 | UKSPF Sub Theme |
|
Changing Places Toilets |
Development of the visitor economy |
|
Deanwood Footpath |
Healthy: Improve health and wellbeing |
|
Borough Wide Events Programme |
Development of the visitor economy |
|
West Lancs Business Support Programme |
Advice and support to business |
|
WLBC Ambassadors Programme |
Advice and support to business |
|
Edge Hill University - Innovation and Skills for Growth programme |
Advice and support to business |
|
Marketing Lancashire |
Development of the visitor economy |
|
The Nest (WLBC) |
Supporting people to progress towards and into employment |
|
Skelmersdale Master Plan |
High Streets and town centre improvements |
|
Community Grants Programme |
Healthy: Improve health and wellbeing |
|
Community Health and Wellbeing Programme |
Healthy: Improve health and wellbeing |
Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)
The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is an allocation of funding made to West Lancashire Borough Council (WLBC), and other Councils nationally, to support rural businesses and communities as part of the wider programme of Levelling Up and linked to other opportunities available via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
West Lancashire Borough Council has been allocated a further round of REPF to the amount of £132,467 that must be spent by 31st March 2026. Funding will be used to deliver two capital projects that will improve productivity and strengthen the rural & visitor economy.
West Lancashire – Approved REPF Projects 2025/26
|
REPF Projects 2025/26 |
REPF Sub Theme |
|
|
West Lancs Rural Grant |
Development of the visitor economy |
|
|
Beacon Country Park - Sculpture Trail |
Development of the visitor economy |
For any other information about the above projects or UKSPF/REPF programmes please contact: UKSPF@westlancs.gov.uk
