£43 Million Support for Rural Communities Secured, Thanks to Stuart Anderson MP
Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed a £43 million investment in rural communities, following a campaign that he launched in August 2024. Ahead of the Autumn Budget, Stuart had called for an extension to smaller, targeted support schemes that had benefitted rural areas. He said: "I want to unlock the productive potential of each area, giving them the tools they need to thrive."
Stuart has now welcomed an expansion of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), a rural top up to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It had provided allocations for Local Authorities in England to help address the additional needs and challenges facing rural areas. Under the last government, Shropshire was allocated almost £2.6 million to support local businesses, farms, and community infrastructure. It funded capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure, helping to improve productivity and growth in rural areas and strengthening the rural economy by supporting local jobs. Ministers have now announced a £38 million extension of the Fund, which can be used to improve local infrastructure and enhance essential services. It is a key part of Stuart's campaign to unlock rural prosperity with projects to create jobs and grow the rural economy.
Last year, Stuart had also urged Ministers to continue with the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund, which provided £3 million to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls across England. Before the general election was called, the previous government was planning to re-open the Fund for a new round of applications during the summer. No announcements had been made by the new government. So, Stuart endorsed the decision to invest £5 million funding for the refurbishment and development of community-owned assets such as village halls and community centres.
In October, Stuart called for the government to extend the ‘Rural Housing Enablers’ scheme, which was launched by the previous government with £2.5 million to bring forward small-scale developments that meet the needs of rural community. Under the scheme, a network of independent advisors works with communities to develop affordable housing schemes that enjoy local support. Stuart had said that he is committed to delivering the funding and protections that is needed to sustain the countryside for the people who live, work, and visit the local areas. So, he has praised moves by the new government to continue with the scheme, which will be accompanied by a grant for Action with Communities in Rural England (ACE). Ministers have said that this will enable ACE to provide advice and support to rural community and voluntary groups which offer social inclusion activities, affordable warmth advice, and community transport.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"I am pleased that Ministers have heeded my calls to support rural communities like South Shropshire by continuing with the last government’s smaller support schemes. The £43 million investment to deliver community infrastructure, help local businesses, refurbish village halls, and advance local housing schemes will help to unlock prosperity in rural areas like ours. I want to ensure that South Shropshire gets its fair share of this funding, and it is unlocked as soon as possible in order to have the greatest possible benefit."
