The primary goal of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) funds was to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK through the support of high-quality skills training, improving pay, supporting employment and productivity growth.
West Oxfordshire District Council was initially allocated £1,716,216 of funding over a three-year period. Further funding was made available for a fourth year as set out in the table below:
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
2025/26
UKSPF
£70,467
£140,935
£788,598
£327,146
REPF
£180,000
£536,216
The funds have been used for three broad themes (known as ‘Investment Priorities’):
Communities and Place
Supporting Local Business
People and Skills (only available from 2024/25)
The Council submitted a Local Investment Plan for both funds setting out our local priorities. These priorities are defined by selecting from a list of ‘Interventions’ or project themes and setting out the outputs to be delivered under each. Our Investment Plan was approved in January 2023 and is summarised here.
Funded UK Shared Prosperity projects
All projects were developed under one of three below themes:
Communities & Place
Rural Services Study
The Plunkett Foundation reviewed the state of the district’s rural services and made recommendations on how we can best address these issues.
Heartflood undertook a study of West Oxfordshire’s market towns to help identify priority issues for UKSPF funding. The report recommended the formation of town partnerships as a priority action with key issues to be addressed including signage and wayfinding, promotion including events and support for small businesses.
The Council’s Nature Recovery Guide has been designed to help local councils and community groups support nature and wildlife in the face of the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
Deer Park South
The Deer Park South Access project improved public access and education about local wildlife. It included upgraded footpaths, two new bridges, a nature trail with interactive brass rubbings, a bench, and interpretation panels.
This scheme awarded capital grants of £5,000 to small businesses employing fewer than 10 full time equivalent (FTE) people. The scheme included an online business advice session as well as the capital grant.
Building Long Term Capacity and Resilience in Our Local Meat Supply Chains report
The report examines ways to build long-term capacity and resilience in local meat supply chains, focusing on the impact of the Long Compton abattoir closure and proposing strategies such as supporting local abattoirs, fostering collaboration, promoting value-added products, and expanding training opportunities within the sector.
Small and Medium sized businesses were invited to have some carbon literacy training to better their understanding along with a supporting carbon action plan to identify what their business can do to improve their carbon footprint. Following the training element, Grants ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 helped businesses achieve their sustainability goals. This opportunity saw local businesses invest in initiatives that cut their energy use, reduced costs, and delivered lasting environmental benefits, such as making buildings more energy efficient or installing renewable energy systems like solar panels.
The programme has supported businesses by helping them create innovative, engaging experiences, offering specialist training workshops, and providing bespoke one-on-one mentoring to strengthen and diversify their offerings.
The Local Connections project successfully built new partnerships between accommodation providers and local businesses, enhancing the visitor experience through unique offerings and supporting local makers. By reducing transportation needs and fostering sustainability, the project strengthened the local economy and sense of place.
This programme provided marketing and promotion support for tourism and hospitality businesses, focusing on helping them adapt, improve, and thrive through tailored advice, training, and tools.
The project has expanded the Elmfield building to create more space for networking, knowledge-sharing events, and coworking managed by Hexagon Business Centres. This development will help Hexagon enhance the local business environment and strengthen community connections.
The Accelerator Programme provided small businesses with tailored support to help them grow. It included expert-led masterclasses, peer-to-peer sessions, 1:1 advice, and networking opportunities. The programme covered topics like business planning, innovation, finances, and investment readiness. It also offered leadership development and bespoke growth plans.
Abingdon & Witney College was awarded funding to help address local skills needs in Care and support Green Skills training. The offer is a brilliant opportunity for locals already working within the care sector or in construction and building services an opportunity to upskill, and for local residents who are new to the industry an excellent chance to get their foot in the door.
The project offers farm-based programs for people with learning disabilities and autism, focusing on engaging in meaningful outdoor activities that improve physical health, foster community, and develop employability skills.
The "No Limits" programme supports Oxfordshire residents aged 16 and over by offering 1:1 assistance with employment, education, or training, including CV writing, interview preparation, and access to travel bursaries and digital devices.
The West Oxfordshire Business Spark programme provides essential support for aspiring entrepreneurs through workshops covering business fundamentals, marketing, financial planning, and pitching. With three cycles running through to March 2025, participants can gain the skills to launch successful businesses.
