Hundreds of thousands of pounds is being invested in tackling the cost of living crisis and improving wellbeing in Malvern.

Funding up to £865,00 from the UK Share Prosperity Fund will be split between four projects.

The spending plan was approved by Malvern Hills District Council’s executive committee on Tuesday, November 22.

The projects are within the ‘Communities and Place’ objective of the Investment Plan submitted to the Government in August.

Funds will be used towards the following projects which have been recommended by the Communities Panel:

  • £350,000 for measures to reduce the cost-of-living for Malvern Hills residents.
  • £250,000 to support community organisations to host community builder roles.
  • £130,000 to recruit an active travel officer and develop local cycling and walking infrastructure plans.
  • £130,000 to invest in community arts, including supporting Severn Arts.

'This will make a real difference'

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and is providing £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and places, supporting businesses, people and skills.

The grant programmes will encompass support for the cost-of-living crisis, in consultation with MHDC’s Financial Wellbeing Partnership, as well as developing the Community Builder model across the district further.

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The council says it is also in line with its asset-based community development approach, which aims to build long-lasting relationships with communities.

Tom Wells, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The UKSPF funding will make a real difference to communities across the Malvern Hills District in helping reduce the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.

“By investing in the development of the Community Builder roles, and the recruitment of an active travel officer and community arts officer, we are helping to improve the wellbeing of residents and empower communities to achieve great things.”