Central government has confirmed that Dorset Council is to receive about £4.5million over the next two years to continue several key programmes, as well as launch some new initiatives.

The UK Government has approved local spending plans for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which matches and succeeds EU funding, while giving local leaders greater say in how the money is spent.

The government states that people across the country will benefit from £2.6 billion of investment that will "turbo-charge" levelling up – supporting local businesses, boosting skills, reviving high streets, and improving local pride.

A new Investment Plan for Dorset, led by Dorset Council with input from a wide range of contributors, has been approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and will see the county benefit from £4.5m of UKSPF money.

Dorset's Investment Plan includes funding for: 

• Provision of energy efficiency advice through Low Carbon Dorset
• The expansion of Healthy Homes Dorset energy efficiency scheme
• Development of affordable sustainable transport, especially for younger people
• A new business support programme to support business growth and deliver business advice
• Basic and more advanced skills courses to help people enter the jobs market and secure better paid employment

The flexible approach to the Investment Plan also means Dorset Council will have the opportunity to adapt its plan to reflect new economic priorities over the period to 2025.

Councillor Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said: "This is great news for Dorset. We had concerns about the future funding of well-used and appreciated services such as Low Carbon Dorset and Healthy Homes Dorset without EU money, but the UKSPF will ensure we can continue to deliver these and much more in the future.

"The £4.5m will be focused on building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment and productivity growth, and increasing life chances across the county. 

"All of these are key objectives for Dorset Council over the coming years, especially as we tackle post-pandemic financial challenges and offer help to our residents."

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has also welcomed the announcement, and that of a further £1.5million to be spent on the adult numeracy programme Multiply in Dorset. 

He said: "Having met the Prime Minister two weeks ago, I made clear that we need to see innovation and investment in Rural Dorset just as much priority as Bournemouth and Poole.

"Under the Dorset LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership), I felt rural West Dorset was not properly looked after. I'm pleased the new funding, allocated to elected local authorities rather than an appointed board, will be more accessible, and fairer to West Dorset.

"This funding is unique to rural Dorset, meaning the Dorset Council area will have more autonomy to prioritise investment in our own area, and better reflect the needs and ambitions of our communities."

The council aims to launch the first elements of the Investment Plan in the New Year and will be providing more details on how businesses and individuals can access this support.