Staffordshire projects put forward for national funding

A range of projects to boost businesses, skills, job creation and regeneration in Staffordshire have been put forward for a share of a UK-wide fund.

The UK Community Renewal Fund aims to support and invest in communities across the country through innovative pilot programmes. In total £220million has been made available by the Government for this financial year.

Bids have come from a range of projects and include voluntary, community and social enterprises, business development organisations, colleges, universities, training providers and district and borough councils. Bids of up to £3m have been considered.

Staffordshire County Council 's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White (pictured) said: “It is a priority to the county council to reinvigorate our communities and businesses through investment, skills development, job creation and regeneration.

"The UK Community Renewal Fund could be another lever to support our continued drive to deliver this for the people of Staffordshire.

“We have received strong project applications and prioritised a selection to go forward for consideration by the Government. We 're confident these will make a real difference to communities and businesses and look forward to seeing successful bids beginning later this summer. ”