Have you heard about the new levelling-up fund to support the development of rural communities? Talk to a member of Anglia Rural Consultants who can assist you with an application.
Here’s what you need to know:
Rural businesses such as farms, wedding venues and pubs will benefit from up to £110 million of funding being allocated today to support countryside communities across England.
The funding will be invested in projects which will boost productivity and create rural job opportunities. These could include farm businesses looking to diversify by opening a farm shop, wedding venue or tourism facilities or improvements to village halls, pubs and other rural hubs for community uses.
Investment will be based on local priorities and support investment in projects such as grants for:
- converting farm buildings to other business uses
- rural tourism, such as investments in visitor accommodation
- capital grants for provision of gigabit-capable digital infrastructure at hubs such as village halls, pubs and post offices for community use
- capital grants to develop, restore or refurbish local natural, cultural and heritage assets and sites
- creation of new footpaths and cycle paths, particularly in areas of health need, or capital grants to enable people to develop volunteering and social action projects locally
Here are some of the important dates and deadlines you should be aware of:
Important dates
Dates are indicative and may be subject to change.
- 3 September 2022 – Rural Fund launch
- 12 September 2022 – Rural Fund addendum platform launch
- September 2022 – engagement sessions with local authorities and local partners to support the Rural Fund process
- 3 October 2022 to 30 November 2022 – Rural Fund addendum submissions window
- November 2022 to January 2023 – Rural Fund assessment period for government
- January 2023 – anticipated date for approval of Rural Fund proposals
- April 2023 – first payments expected to lead local authorities
- April 2023 to March 2025 – funding period
For more information on the grant visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/110m-fund-to-level-up-rural-communities-unveiled