UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Blackburn with Darwen Council is seeking proposals, Expressions of Interest (EOI), from organisations wishing to deliver activity as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Organisations have until 11:59pm on Friday 3 June to submit their EOIs to the Council using the application system provided.
Potential applicants should note that given the high level of interest within the programme and the limited scale of funding available, the Council expects a high demand for funding and proposals may have to be prioritised.
Background
Government has allocated Blackburn with Darwen nearly £6 million in core UKSPF funding for a 3 year funding period until March 2025. To make use of this funding, the Council is required to develop a multi-year local investment plan that is consistent with national guidance.
Therefore, before considering an EOI submission, please read the UKSPF Prospectus. The Prospectus provides detailed information on the objectives of UKSPF, the types of projects / interventions it intends to support and how it operates; alongside other Levelling Up funds.
The Council are looking for proposals for interventions that align with one or more of the three Investment Priorities for UKSPF, namely:
- Community and Place
- Supporting Local Business
- People and Skills
In Blackburn with Darwen, we are interested in developing proposals that build on local insight and knowledge, and projects that align with long-term strategic plans to help deliver new growth opportunities and a zero carbon future. Opportunities that link residents and communities to new growth opportunities, especially those in greatest need, are also welcome.
The Council intends to submit its investment plan to Government by 1 August 2022 with funding available from autumn 2022 onwards.
Focus of proposals
At this stage, to encourage proposals of scale and impact, applicants are encouraged to develop proposals with a UKSPF funding ask of at least £100,000.
Applicants must think carefully about the capital and revenue requirements of their proposals.
Proposals from organisations with a track-record of delivery in their field with relevant capacity and match funding are also encouraged.
Local priorities
The Council will look to prioritise proposals that have the greatest potential to deliver new, inclusive and sustainable growth opportunities for the Borough’s residents and businesses, with alignment and impact against the overall objectives of the UKSPF.
The Council is also open to considering proposals that link with wider economic opportunities beyond Blackburn with Darwen to develop, strengthen and/or scale-up the delivery of local outcomes, consistent with national guidance.
Assessment of EOIs and Investment Plan Development
The Council will assess all EOIs using the following framework:
- the gateway criteria set out in national guidance – proposals that fail to meet these criteria are ineligible support and will be rejected
- the extent to which they meet the 12 national Levelling Up missions
- the extent to which proposals would support the delivery of new, inclusive and sustainable local growth outcomes; test and develop new approaches to capture new growth opportunities; and contribute to local strategic objectives
The Government will assess our investment plan with funding allocations made available from autumn 2022 onwards. At this point, and onwards, the Council will enter into funding agreements with successful delivery partners, and will be responsible for paying grants to successful projects and managing their performance.
Submitting a proposal
The application window has now closed.
For any other enquires please email bwdukspf@blackburn.gov.uk