Shropshire Council is pleased to announce the availability of capital funds from the UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UKSPF) and The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for the year 2025/2026.

Funding is available for 4-6 capital projects with a minimum grant value of £125,000.

Call for Applications

The call is specifically for Capital only infrastructure projects under the Community and Place Priority, focusing on the themes of Healthy, Safe, and Inclusive Communities and Thriving Places.

They seek to support infrastructure projects that aim to:

• Develop, restore, or refurbish local natural, cultural, and heritage assets and sites
• Establish or enhance rural green and blue infrastructure
• Upgrade or create footpaths and cycle paths, particularly in areas of health need

Applications are welcomed from legally recognised organisations. Applications cannot be made by an individual or sole trader.

Funding Details

The following intervention categories are available for funding:

• Creation and improvement to Local Green and Blue spaces – Minimum Grant: £125,000 (Match preferred at minimum 20%)
• Enhancing existing cultural, historic & heritage institutions – Minimum Grant: £125,000 (Match preferred at minimum 20%)
• Active Travel enhancements in the local area – Minimum Grant: £125,000 (Match preferred at minimum 20%)

Projects that can also leverage additional funds will be prioritised.

Application Requirements

Applicants should ensure:

• All planning and/or permissions are in place for work to start by 1st June 2025
• Delivery and completion of all expenditure between 1st June 2025 and 31st March 2026
• Achievement of outputs by 31st March 2026

Applications will also need to meet the objectives, outputs, and outcomes of Shropshire’s UKSPF Investment Plan and align with the Shropshire Plan and Economic Growth Strategy.

Full applications details, relevant documentation and application forms can be found on the Invest in Shropshire website: https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/relocating-and-investing/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/

Applicants should ensure that they submit both the completed application form and the expenditure, outputs and outcomes Excel document

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 5pm on Monday 5th May 2025

Gary Spence, Shropshire Council’s external funding lead in the Economy, Funding and Skills team, said:

“We acknowledge that the deadlines are tight but look forward to working with applicants to support impactful community projects that will contribute to the future health, well-being and prosperity of Shropshire’s residents and businesses.

“We urge potential applicants to familiarise themselves with the eligibility criteria and the type of outcomes we are looking for but are happy to deal with any queries by email should they need further information and assistance.”

For further details and enquiries, please contact ukspf@shropshire.gov.uk.