UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment boosts Wyre Forest communities, businesses, and skills
News release issued:
Community facilities have been upgraded, nearly £200,000 has been awarded in grants to community groups and businesses, and more than 5,000 people have attended events across Wyre Forest district through funding via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
These are just a few of the outcomes from 20 projects which were delivered between 2022 and 2025 and received more than £3 million investment through UKSPF via Wyre Forest District Council.
These initiatives have improved public spaces, strengthened local businesses, and opened up new opportunities for residents.
UKSPF was launched by the former Government in 2022 to improve regional prosperity and tackle local inequalities. The council secured funding to deliver projects under three key themes: Communities and Place, Supporting Local Business, and People and Skills.
Over the three-year programme, the council worked with local delivery partners to maximise impact and ensure benefits were felt across the district.
Investment has been made in key community assets including Stourport Community Centre, Spennells changing rooms, The Weaving Sheds, The Old Court, and St Anne’s Church. Local green spaces and events have also been supported.
Local businesses have benefited from free advice, start-up events, mentoring, innovation grants, skills workshops, tourism marketing, carbon reduction funding and business incubation programmes.
Additionally, residents have received support and guidance to secure employment and develop their skills, and employers have benefitted from workforce upskilling grants.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said:
“Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we’ve been able to deliver targeted support where it matters most by improving our community facilities, helping businesses grow, and giving residents the tools to succeed. These investments have created real momentum across Wyre Forest and we’re proud of what’s been achieved.”
A full report on the outputs and outcomes of the UKSPF 2022-25 programme in Wyre Forest is available on the council’s website.
Further UKSPF funding of just over £1 million has been secured for the 2025-26 financial year, which will continue to provide support for Wyre Forest communities, businesses and residents.
