FUNDING is up for grabs in Warwickshire for projects which will encourage investment in skills and local business, improve communities, and support people into employment.
As the lead authority for the £220m Community Renewal Fund, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) will receive and assess bids to submit to government for consideration.
The council will work with local partners, including the county’ five district and borough councils, community and voluntary organisations, and the education sector to identify local projects and work up bids designed to stimulate growth.
The Community Renewal Fund is allocating funding until the end of March 2022.
Although nowhere in Warwickshire has been included among the 100 places across the UK identified as priority areas by government, the council says strong Warwickshire-based applications could still be successful.
Speaking about the launch of the fund, Mark Ryder, Strategic Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “This is a national fund and is likely to be highly competitive. It is essential that we bring forward a set of high quality, well developed project proposals that can deliver quickly.
“I am confident that, alongside our partners, we will be ready to submit compelling proposals that, if successful, can make a real difference in Warwickshire.”
WCC is particularly seeking proposals which promote skills for the county’s future growth sectors.
These sectors include electric vehicles, battery technology, creative and digital; enterprise and start-up support; inclusive employment support for more vulnerable groups; and innovative approaches to supporting the rural economy.
Other areas for consideration will include community projects around culture-led regeneration, improving green spaces and preserving local assets which can then stimulate the local economy and create local employment, particularly among young people.
The funding is revenue-based so applications will not be supported if they are intended for purchase of land, construction or large equipment.
Sarah Windrum, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We fully support the council’s ambition and would look to work with applicants to give them the greatest chance of success to help deliver the priorities that will help our communities to bounce back.
“Our Strategic Reset Framework – which aligns with county’s Economic Growth Strategy and Recovery Plan – is the key long-term economic recovery strategy and vision to drive Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy as we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis, and success in the Community Renewal Fund would support that effort.”
Email [email protected] for advice in assessing a proposal and applying for funds.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/crf for more information.
