UK Shared Prosperity Fund Proposals Agreed

Councillors recently approved a range of proposals for the final year of UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support local priorities.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was first launched in 2022 as part of the 'Levelling Up' programme, which provides funding for local authorities to invest. Funding was first awarded to South Ayrshire Council for three years, however, the period was extended in to 2025/26 following the UK Government Budget announcement last year.

The proposals approved by Council support the continuation of existing projects, alongside new initiatives that support local businesses, communities, people, and developing skills.

South Ayrshire Council's allocation of the fund will be used to support local businesses to increase their capacity to support larger scale events in the area, such as the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight; the continuation of support for local businesses through our 'Ambition' programme; and grants through our Destination South Ayrshire team to help events and tourism in the area.

Our Thriving Communities - Employability programmes will receive part of the funding to support initiatives to help people into employment in South Ayrshire. The fund will also be used for the annual South Ayrshire Communities Day, the re-establishment of an Active Travel Hub in Ayr, and will support participatory budgeting in local communities.    

Councillor Bob Pollock, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development said: "We're committed to supporting our residents and visitors to thrive, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund continues to make a tangible difference to the lives of our residents and local businesses.  

"Approval of these new proposals represents a fantastic opportunity for us to build on the success of our existing projects and introduce new initiatives that directly benefit our communities. By investing in local businesses, skills development, and employability, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant South Ayrshire."