SUPPORTING adults with numeracy skills, boosting the job market for young people and a High Street rebirth will be at the heart of almost £3million in Government funding for Worcester.
The £2,945,472 for the city has been awarded from the post-Brexit UK Shared Prosperity Fund to tackle community issues from regenerating run down high streets to fighting anti-social behaviour.
Funding also includes free tutoring, digital training and flexible courses to help adults with low-level maths skills get back into work, as well as measures to get more young people into high-skilled jobs.
The seven-figure sum is part of £2.6billion of which will be awarded to communities across the UK with areas in greater need receiving more support and replaces money previously awarded by the European Union.
While the Government has pledged to match the previous EU funding from the European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund, a number of areas will receive considerably less than when Britain was a member of the EU.
However, the fund will be much more flexible and locally-led, freeing communities from the bureaucratic, rigid and complex processes of the EU Structural Funds.
Instead of regional agencies, funding decisions will be made by elected leaders in local government, with input from local members of parliament and local businesses and voluntary groups.
Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “I am incredibly proud of Worcester and know that our best days lie ahead. I am determined to work with the Government to ensure that everyone from our area is able to reach their full potential.
“That is why I welcome the investment of nearly £3million for Worcester, which can be used across a range of projects from supporting adults who lack basic numeracy skills, helping young people into good jobs, and regenerating our high streets.
“This investment will help to local residents to fulfil their potential, while reducing regional inequalities that have been left untouched for too long”.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help to unleash the creativity and talent of communities which have for too long been overlooked and undervalued.
“By targeting this funding at areas of the country that need it the most, we will help spread opportunity and level up in every part of the United Kingdom.”
