Funding available for projects to boost High Peak economy

High Peak organisations are being invited to bid for funding to deliver projects that will get people back into work and boost the local economy.

Derbyshire County Council has been identified by the government as the lead authority in the county to deliver the new national Community Renewal Fund, which has been set up to support people and communities most in need, tackle disadvantage and break down the barriers to employment and better skills.

The High Peak, as well as the Derbyshire Dales, have also been identified by the government as two of the 100 areas prioritised for access to the fund, based on an index of economic measures around productivity, household income, unemployment, skills and population density – although other places can apply.

Up to £3 million has been targeted by the government for projects up until March 2022, with bids being welcomed from a range of organisations including local authorities, public sector organisations, higher and further education institutions, private sector organisations and registered charities.

The county council say piloting new approaches and innovative ideas at a local level will be a key part of the projects to be funded.

The bidding process is now open and the council is inviting applications for funding for projects that will secure:

• Investment in skills – Work-based training; retraining, upskilling/reskilling; and promoting digital skills and inclusion.

• Investment for local business – Supporting entrepreneurs to create more job opportunities; encouraging businesses to develop their innovation potential; and supporting decarbonisation measures.

• Investment in communities and place - Feasibility studies for delivering net-zero/local energy projects; promoting culture-led regeneration and community development; improving green spaces and preserving important local assets; and promoting rural connectivity.

• Support people into employment - Supporting people on their journey towards employment; identifying/addressing barriers to employment/moving closer to the labour market; raising aspirations / supporting individual to access employment support; supporting people to develop basic skills for sustainable work; testing what works in helping people move towards work.

How to apply 

Tim Gregory, Director of Economy, Transport and Environment at Derbyshire County Council said: “We welcome this opportunity to bring more Government funding into Derbyshire to boost skills and employment, improve quality of life, aid regeneration and support our ambition to cut emissions from the Derbyshire economy to net zero by 2050.”

The closing date for sending applications to the county council is midnight on 10 May 2021. All applications will be assessed and a proposed list of projects submitted to the government by 18 June.

The government will announce which projects have been successful in late July.

All projects must be delivered and complete by 31 March 2022.

For more information, visit derbyshire.gov.uk/communityrenewalfund 

Image by Nigel Wood

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper