An investment planthat sets out how over £4million could be spent on projects in Carlisle has been approved.

The so-called UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), drawn together by Carlisle City Council, was approved by the department for levelling up, housing and communities (DLUHC) earlier this month.

Part of the government’s levelling up agenda, it provides £2.6billion of new funding for local investment by March 2025.

Many areas of the UK will receive an allocation from the fund, which replaces current EU structural finds which will have finished by the end of 2023.

Carlisle as, so far, been allocated £498,138 to spend during 2022-2023, year one of the investment.

The funding is allocated annually up to March 2025, with most of the funding being available in the final year.

Cllr John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “This is another welcome financial boost for the city.

“Our officers have worked closely with Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council to ensure the priorities of our three investment plans are closely aligned to enable delivery by the new Cumberland Council from next April.

“During preparation of our investment plans, we have consulted with a variety of partners and stakeholders through focus group sessions and an expression of interest survey.

“A local partnership group has also been formed made up of representatives from strategic organisations from across the local area.”

Some areas which have been selected for support in the first year of funding include, according to the council, improvements to town centres and high streets, including better accessibility for disabled people; more support for existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions; support for local arts and; funding for campaigns to boost tourism.

Carlisle City Council said money will also be put into supporting local businesses, such as via investment in open markets and improvements to town centre retail, and business support measures to drive employment growth, particularly in areas of higher unemployment.

The closing date for submission of applications is Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 5pm by applying online at www.carlisle.gov.uk

Funding available is limited and it is anticipated that the application process will be competitive, according to a Carlisle City Council spokesperson.

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