It’s been one year since Torbay was allocated £1.76 million to spend on local investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Since then, we're proud to have launched ten funded projects, delivered by different delivery partners, which are making a real difference to people living in the Bay.

The funding, which is part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, was allocated with the aim of delivering three key objectives: support local businesses, boost career and education opportunities for local people, and create spaces for communities to enjoy. A year after the funding was awarded, we take a look at how UKSPF is improving lives and strengthening businesses in our area.

Business support

• More than 130 Torbay businesses have received free business support which has helped them to launch new enterprises, expand or innovate
• Over £50,000 of grant funding has been awarded to help businesses grow and launch new incentives and services
• Over 2,500 tonnes of carbon have been saved by businesses via a carbon reduction support scheme
• Over £500,000 worth of business tourism contracts have been secured for Torbay, helping to boost and strengthen our visitor economy

Help with energy bills

Run by delivery partner ECOE, the Energy Saving Torbay project has been helping residents save money and stay warm in their homes by offering free practical energy advice and support. To date:

• More than 300 people have been supported with their energy bills
• Over 70 homes have been visited, saving on average each household over £700 a year in energy bills
• Hundreds of tonnes of carbon have been saved in Torbay households

In some cases, individuals have received thousands of pounds in support and energy savings, benefitting from measures such as new energy-saving boilers and support to switch to cheaper energy tariffs.

Green spaces in Torbay

Torbay’s special green places have also been improved thanks to UKSPF funding and the support of 200 local and dedicated volunteers. Repairs to the steps and access point at Watcombe beach were carried out by delivery partner Groundwork South which allowed the beach to reopen to the public last July. Working with volunteers from the local community, they also created a new green space at a disused car park in Melville, Torquay, and improved spaces in Westerland Valley and Parkfield House.

With most UKSPF projects continuing throughout this year, there are still plenty of opportunities for Torbay businesses and residents to get involved.

Find out more and see a full list of the current projects 

Councillor Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth for Torbay Council, said: ‘‘With UK Shared Prosperity Funding, we’re working hard to increase people’s life chances and create a Torbay where people are proud to live, work and visit. The projects that we’ve delivered so far have been varied and far-reaching, supporting businesses, homeowners and communities in a variety of different ways. We’re pleased that so many local people are benefitting from the support on offer and hope that residents continue to get involved.’’

The council will be announcing another wave of UKSPF-funded projects, focused on upskilling and education, in the coming weeks.