Lancashire Funding Shift Rossendale Reports to Blackpool from April

Rossendale is getting less UK Shared Prosperity Fund money. They will receive about half of last year’s amount. This year, they get just under £858,000. Last year, they received £1.6 million.

Blackpool is a key council in the new authority. Blackburn and Lancashire County Council are too. The new combined authority began in early February. It has caused debate about district councils.

Blackpool will manage Lancashire’s fund from April. This is part of the combined authority launch. Rossendale Council must send reports to Blackpool. These reports show how they spend the money.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund followed Brexit. It replaced old grants from the EU. Rossendale approved a £2.5 million investment plan in 2022. These projects include parks and markets.

Councillors must now approve the smaller amount. The county authority directly gave Rossendale £858,000. They need council approval due to financial rules.

Rossendale states revisions are needed with less money. The council wants to continue current projects. They will focus on town centers and Rossendale Works. They want to complete existing projects.

Suggested schemes are town teams and Green Streets. Also included are The Bridge and civic pride groups. Waterfoot, Haslingden, and the artificial pitch are also on the list.

Councillors must authorize directors to form agreements. They can also make minor plan changes. Nick Harris will help with economic development.

The funding should keep the momentum going. They want good town centers and leisure options. This will also support local businesses.

Westminster is pushing regional deals and devolution. The government wants unitary councils of 500,000 people. Rossendale has about 70,000 residents. Councils must respond to the government soon.