More details revealed for Dorset Council Government funding

We told you earlier this week about £4.5 million of support

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 22nd Dec 2022

Dorset Council have been revealing more details about where a £4.5 million grant from Government will be spent across the county.

The authority say the cash from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund over the next two years, matches and exceeds EU funding that would have come into Dorset.

It's aimed at 'supporting local businesses, boosting skills, reviving high streets, and improving local pride'.

Dorset Council had to draw up a business plan for what the money would support here, including:

  • Provision of energy efficiency advice through Low Carbon Dorset
  • The expansion of Healthy Homes Dorset energy efficiency scheme
  • Development of affordable sustainable transport, especially for younger people
  • A new business support programme to support business growth and deliver business advice
  • Basic and more advanced skills courses to help people enter the jobs market and secure better paid employment

The funding has been welcomed by West Dorset MP Chris Loder.

Councillor Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said:

“This is great news for Dorset. We had concerns about the future funding of well-used and appreciated services such as Low Carbon Dorset and Healthy Homes Dorset without EU money, but the UKSPF will ensure we can continue to deliver these and much more in the future.

"The £4.5m will be focused on building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment and productivity growth, and increasing life chances across the county. All of these are key objectives for Dorset Council over the coming years, especially as we tackle post-pandemic financial challenges and offer help to our residents.”

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