Stockport community projects to benefit from a share of £1.5 million funding

27 community groups and projects have been awarded a share of £1.5 million in funding from Stockport’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Projects that have been successful in the first round of funding bids range from a writing project for young people to volunteering and, improving green spaces. Stockport Council was awarded a substantial allocation of funding for the Communities and Place strand of the UK Strategic Priorities Fund (UKSPF), which replaces previous EU funding schemes, and funding will go to support local communities, the borough’s programme as GM Town of Culture for 2023, and helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Under the Communities and Place strand, the UK Government and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has committed a total of £2.4 million over 3 years to be distributed among projects throughout Stockport. This latest phase of funding was awarded after a competitive bidding process, ensuring that the most impactful and transformative projects receive the support they need.

The funding announcement comes off the back of £100,000 funding earlier this month, from the Creative Commissions programme, with £50,000 of funding received from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and £50,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, commented:

“This is great news and congratulations to all the recipients who have put some great bids forward to empower our communities. This UKSPF funding will help us to deliver on the ambition and priorities set out in our Borough Plan and will support our Town of Culture plans. I look forward to seeing the projects delivered and enjoyed by local people.”

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Sport, added:

“This latest round of funding will really benefit the local community and will support a wide variety of projects for people to get involved with. It’s a huge boost to our already successful Town of Culture programme and will create activities that everyone can take part in and environments where everyone can flourish.”