Falkirk Council makes major investment in people, businesses and communities
Falkirk Council has invested more than £8m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support over 1,300 jobs, train 800 residents, and help 380 businesses and community groups.
Over the past three years, the funding, provided by the UK Government, has focused on practical support at a time of economic pressure on households, businesses and services.
It is estimated to have supported around 650 jobs and safeguarded another 700, while helping more than 800 residents gain new skills and qualifications. Over 250 community groups have also received funding or capacity-building support.
More than £2.4m has been directed towards communities and local places, backing grassroots organisations, improving parks and open spaces, and supporting community-led projects chosen by local people through participatory budgeting.
Work with partners such as Scottish Canals, RSPB and Go Forth & Clyde has also delivered environmental and active-travel improvements, including the Falkirk Five Trail.
Local businesses have received more than £2.4m in support to help them adapt, innovate and grow, with grants focused on energy efficiency, digital development and business growth.
UKSPF funding has also supported business advice and specialist support in areas such as digital, finance and HR, alongside investment in tourism promotion through the VisitFalkirk website and joint marketing with VisitScotland.
Investment in people and skills has exceeded £2m, targeting residents furthest from the labour market as well as those looking to upskill.
Programmes delivered through the Council’s Employment and Training Unit have supported hundreds of people into training and work, while a £775k investment in the Multiply programme funded 95 courses that enabled 478 learners to improve everyday numeracy through practical activities delivered with local partners.
Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development, said:
I’m delighted to see this significant funding has helped us invest in what matters most to local people. By targeting resources towards jobs, skills and into communities, we’re making sure these funds deliver real, lasting benefits to thousands of local people.