UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 2022-25

Funded by UK Government logo

Between 2022 and 2025, Denbighshire County Council worked with local communities, businesses and organisations to deliver £25.6 million of investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

This funding, which replaced the former European Structural and Investment Programme (ESIF), supported 48 projects across the county. These projects created new opportunities for residents, supported businesses, and improved places and facilities throughout Denbighshire.

Investment priorities

The fund was structured around three key priority areas:

  • Communities and Place – £10.94 million
    Supporting improvements to public spaces, enhancing local infrastructure, and strengthening community services.
  • Supporting Local Business – £3.2 million
    Investing in local enterprises to boost growth, improve productivity, and create new employment opportunities.
  • People and Skills – £11.9 million
    Creating pathways for individuals to develop new skills and improve their employment prospects.

Additional investment

An extra £1.7 million was ringfenced for the UK Government’s Multiply initiative, which focuses on improving adult numeracy skills.

The programme offers tailored support to help individuals build confidence and competence with numbers, empowering them in everyday life and employment.

Investment plan

An investment plan was submitted to UK Government on 1st August 2022. The themes that emerged from the Council’s Corporate Plan 2022-2027 helped to develop the investment plan and targets working towards delivering fair employment and good working opportunities for all, as well as creating and developing sustainable places and communities that we can be proud of.

The plan takes account of the three themes of the fund as set out by Government.

In developing the plan, we were mindful of the fund's objectives set by government:

  • Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards
  • Spread opportunities and improve public services
  • Restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging
  • Empower local leaders and communities

While developing our local investment plan, we worked in partnership with councillors, MPs and local stakeholders including businesses and residents.

Working regionally

While Denbighshire developed its own investment plan, it also formed part of the wider North Wales Regional Investment Plan. We worked with the following neighbouring authorities:

  • Gwynedd Council
  • Conwy County Borough Council
  • Flintshire County Council
  • Isle of Anglesey County Council
  • Wrexham County Borough Council

Grant programmes and local funds

Recognising the importance of supporting smaller organisations and grassroots initiatives, the UKSPF also delivered a range of key funds and grant programmes.

These were designed to make UK Government funding more accessible and ensure its benefits were felt widely across the county:

  • Supporting Local Business Key Fund (including People and Skills Key Fund): £2.2 million
  • Community Capacity Key Fund (including Multiply Key Fund): £2.1 million
  • Community Grants and Creative Arts Programme: £600,000
  • Town Centre Improvement Grant: £240,000

These funds have enabled smaller projects and initiatives to thrive, contributing to vibrant communities and a stronger local economy.

Projects

View all the projects funded through the UKSPF.

Key outcomes

This funding has supported a range of initiatives that have made a real difference locally. Some of the key outcomes in Denbighshire include:

  • 25,111 volunteering opportunities supported
  • Over 5,000 local events and activities delivered
  • 119 community facilities created or improved
  • More than 49,000 trees planted
  • 52 new jobs created
  • 261 jobs safeguarded
  • 1,397 people gained a qualification or completed a course
  • Over 800 businesses supported
  • Nearly 1,000 organisations received assistance

What's next?

The UK Government extended the UKSPF for a transitional year until 31 March 2026, with an extra £42.4 million allocated to North Wales for 2025–26. Of this, £8.6 million will go to Denbighshire to support local projects and priorities.

Find out more about the UKSPF transitional year 2025-26