Council allocates final money from Government pot to support young people into work and boost swimming facilities in South Staffordshire village
A South Staffordshire village is receiving a cash boost to help support young people into work and boost swimming facilities
South Staffordshire Council has allocated final money from a Government funding pot to support young people into work and boost swimming facilities in Cheslyn Hay.
The authority was allocated a £1.25m share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to be distributed in the district during 2025/26.
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The scheme, which started in 2022 and saw more than £5m made available to communities and businesses in the district over a four-year period, is now coming to an end. On Tuesday (February 3), cabinet members agreed to allocate the last of the funding available ahead of next month’s deadline.
A report to Tuesday’s cabinet meeting said: “As we approach the final quarter of 2025/26, we have a very clear picture of what UKSPF is now unallocated and needing to be spent to prevent any underspend being returned to government. Considering all the funding allocated and currently in the decision-making process, there is an underspend of £15,334.
“Two internal projects have been suggested which would utilise the remainder of the unallocated funding – firstly, our Leisure Services team have requested funding to replace the old starting blocks on the swimming pool at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre. They are seeking funding of £5,245.50 of a total project cost of £7,494, with 30 per cent match funding of £2,248.20 provided by Chase Phoenix Swimming Club, a user of the pool.
“From the 2024/2025 UKSPF programme we funded the Inspiring Tomorrow’s Workforce (ITW) project in collaboration with our Business Ambassadors. Our business intelligence, re-enforced by the Business Ambassadors, indicated meeting future skills needs is a key concern of local businesses.
“The first phase of this project was a digital guide for our school children, outlining the range of different careers and sectors available in South Staffordshire and presented by young professionals in those key sectors and businesses. The guide has been very well received by young people, the schools and businesses alike and our ambassadors were keen to build upon this momentum.
“The second stage of the ITW project aims to further strengthen the digital and physical resources between businesses and education providers to support young people into the world of work. The council’s Enterprise Team have requested funding of £9,950 to procure the specialist provider and cover the design, development and delivery of these resources.”
