Rural England Prosperity Fund guidance

The New Forest Rural England Prosperity Fund has now allocated all of its funding and the scheme is closed to new applications. 

There is no indication from government as to further funding.

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Background

In 2023, local authorities in England were allocated funding from government under the Rural England Prosperity Fund, part of The UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £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 place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Applicants to the funding had to be within the New Forest Rural Fund area and be able to demonstrate that the grant funded investment will benefit the wider economy of the New Forest Rural Fund area for example through jobs and growth.  

The Rural England Prosperity Fund for businesses was launched in August 2023 and closed to new applications in September 2024.   

The Rural England Prosperity Fund for community Infrastructure was launched in August 2023 and closed to new applications on 31 October 2023.