UK Shared Prosperity Fund to continue business and job support

Article date: 19 March 2025

Cabinet voted today (Wednesday 19 March) to claim its share of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money - delivered by Government and dispensed by the Liverpool City Region - that will support a range of projects targeting businesses and employment needs.

The one-year extension of the UKSPF follows on from more than £2.4 million invested over the last two years to provide the borough with a wide range of activities including a programme of upgrades to parks, open spaces and canal paths around the borough, focused on hotspots of anti-social behaviour.

Cultural events were also supported like As the World Tipped, town centre activities such as the pop-up markets, Street and a Half, the social and creative business incubator run by Kindred, Blue Heritage plaques and much more.

The funding over that time also supported the Ways to Work Service in helping people across the borough find training and employment opportunities and has supported The Growth Company in providing support to businesses.

The Government announced UKSPF would run for a further single transitionary year as it looks at a new method to deliver support for councils.

The majority of the new allocation is ringfenced for programmes that deliver the most direct economic benefit, which are the Business Support and Employment Support (Ways To Work) strands, which are projected to assist 177 local businesses, 214 economically inactive residents and create or assist over 200 jobs.

Sean Traynor, St Helens Borough Council's Director of Strategic Growth, said: "This funding extension is a vital step in ensuring that our local businesses and residents continue to receive the support they need. By investing in employment and supporting business growth, we are strengthening the foundation for a thriving economy and a prosperous borough."