RCT projects to benefit from almost £20m in UK Government funding for town improvements and community support.
Some money will improve town centers and high streets, aiming for better access for disabled people. A proposed budget of £10m will pay for this work, including grants for town center properties and strategic property developments. They will also invest in local renewable energy projects, with around £648,000 going towards extending energy efficiency programs and funding solar panel installations.
They plan to use £873,000 to deter crime through design. Community wardens can stay in local communities, and safety officers would remain present. Support for active travel will also happen, including small green transport projects. Subsidized public transport gets £1m to help cut car use. Volunteering projects will receive £369,000 to support neighborhood efforts and they want stronger community hubs. Local arts and cultural activities are planned too while encouraging people to visit will cost about £150,000.
Community measures hope to lower living costs and fight fuel poverty. Energy efficiency will greatly help with this undertaking. A grant program will get £2m to fund community groups. Local businesses can get stronger with £364,000 in grants. The money will aid start ups, expansion, and diversification. Self-employment will get support especially within the care sector.
They also want to help unemployed people find work. Mentors will provide tailored support to help locals gain skills. A total of about £3.5m will pay for this. They plan to spend over £15m on community improvements. Supporting local business would get £364,000 and they hope that helping more locals get new skills gets a £3.49m. Administration will cost £604,000 for RCT and £151,000 for the lead team.
The council welcomes the lower percentage reduction overall, but the £6.8m decrease is still significant. Funding will build on past UKSPF progress, but it will happen on a smaller scale.