£110 Million Boost for Rural England! Communities across the countryside are set to cash in on a fresh £110 million funding splash. Local authorities will get the cash to back rural businesses and community projects, announced today (7 April).
Big Bucks for Rural Prosperity
This £110 million comes from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, a special top-up to the massive UK Shared Prosperity Fund worth £2.6 billion. This fund aims to level up the entire UK. Unlike old, clunky EU schemes, this new pot puts England in the driver’s seat, letting local leaders decide where the cash does the most good.
Environment Secretary Backs the Boost
“Driving investment in rural areas is a vital part of our vision for levelling up the country,” said Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey. “The new Rural Prosperity Fund replaces the bureaucratic EU funding system – allowing us to work closely with local leaders to direct funding where it is most needed to close the rural productivity gap, create job opportunities and protect the English countryside.”
“This confirmed spending will let local authorities deliver plans that support rural businesses and communities, sticking to what residents want.”
Rural Leaders Praise Digital Progress
Country Land and Business President Mark Tufnell welcomed the investment. He said, “The rural proofing report put rural challenges and opportunities front and centre in the government’s levelling up approach. The government is committed to quality digital infrastructure and is pushing through big upgrades via the Shared Rural Network and Project Gigabit.”
“Great progress is already happening: 30% of rural homes now have gigabit-capable internet, up from 19% in January 2021.”
This funding surge promises to breathe new life into England’s countryside. Jobs, better internet, and stronger rural communities – the levelling up plan is rolling out in style.
