North Devon Council has confirmed that it has been successful in bidding for funding from central government, as part of a mission to support local businesses and improve the rural economy.
Through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ ‘rural fund’, the council has been granted £1,091,259 to deliver a new business support programme as well as complete the enhancement of town centres and small-scale regeneration. This funding follows the allocation of £1,214,299 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Shared Prosperity Fund.
Jon Triggs, Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive of North Devon Council, said:
“This additional funding from central government will allow us to deliver on plans to support businesses and communities in our rural areas.
“Having secured the funding, we will now work with our partners, North Devon+, to set up and deliver a rural grant scheme similar to the former LEADER funding programme. We will also deliver projects in Ilfracombe to support the regeneration of the seafront and increased activity around the new water sports centre.”
The business programmes, being launched by North Devon+, will encourage networking and mentoring whilst also promoting investment, whilst there will also be increased support for volunteering and helping people into employment.
These projects will be implemented over the course of the next two years, joining the previous Shared Prosperity Fund allocation in bringing forward ‘interventions’ across three themes: Communities and Place, Supporting Local Business, plus People and Skills.
North Devon Council is also further supporting communities through plans to address the current condition of homes. These plans will see eligible homeowners subsidised as they look to make a wide range of home repairs, energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy adaptations. The council’s Head of Planning, Housing and Health, Jeremy Mann, said:
“The roof of your home is an essential element for keeping your home safe and dry. A new roof can enhance the look and functionality of your home too, and making sure you have the maximum recommended insultation could improve your home’s energy efficiency.”
