Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet has approved a package of investment opportunities totalling more than £11.4 million to deliver a series of initiatives over the next 12 months.
The council has been allocated £11.4 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which has been allocated to town centre improvements, tackling crime, improving public and street safety, active travel, supporting businesses and employment.
Areas of investment include: –
- £2.4 million to increase employment opportunities and support for work related qualifications and training, addressing skills gaps, developing interview skills and preparation for employment.
- £835,000 to improve numeracy skills as part of an established Multiply programme.
- £1.8 million to support local business which will see the creation of a business support hub.
- A new £300,000 fund for business support organisations to support local business growth.
- £764,00 Caerphilly Enterprise Fund for business and third sector.
- £400,000 to grow and develop the rural economy.
- £65,000 to support decarbonisation.
The council said that this year it was aiming to engage and support more than 1,000 economically inactive and unemployed residents via the Employment Support Programme.
The plan also proposes interventions that will enhance town centres, including public realm improvements, decluttering of street spaces, introduction of smart solutions for business such as waste management storage and improved lighting design to enhance Caerphilly’s night-time economy, the authority said.
The investment will also fund the work of a Town Centre Response Team to work across all towns in the county borough to clean, green and undertake general enhancements and improvements.
There will be a focus on town centre high streets and event spaces and measures to design out crime through hostile vehicle mitigation and other safety measures, through the work of an Intervention and Prevention Co-ordinator to deliver a Crime and Disorder Prevention Project by to support local communities and deal with anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Regeneration and Climate Change, said:
“I am delighted that the Cabinet has approved our UKSPF local investment plan. There is a great mix of projects from across the whole of the county borough which will improve the sense of pride in place, build on our strengths but, most importantly, has our residents, businesses, and partners at the heart of it all.
“This funding will have a significant impact on our local communities and enable us to deliver a variety of projects to build resilience, improve the health of our neighbourhoods, support our businesses, and help to create, attract new jobs and investment.”
