Reading Borough Council is set to receive £1,711,702 and West Berkshire Council to receive £1,674,525 from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (“UKSPF”) to help level up the community - from regenerating run down high streets to fighting anti-social behaviour. The funding also includes free tutoring, digital training and flexible courses to help adults with low-level maths skills get back into work, as well as measures to get more young people into high-skilled jobs.

The investment will deliver on the Government’s mission to level up the United Kingdom - regenerating communities, tackling economic decline, and reversing geographical inequalities to ensure that everyone can fulfil their potential.

In total, £2.6 billion of levelling up funding will be awarded to local authorities across the UK through the UKSPF, the Government has announced.

Alok said:

“I welcome this levelling up investment in our area, which can be used across a range of projects to benefit local residents and reduce inequalities. Whilst the Reading area is an economic powerhouse in the UK, it is also the case that there are parts of the area that need levelling up and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund addresses that need.”

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove MP said:

“The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help to unleash the creativity and talent of communities that have for too long been overlooked and undervalued. By targeting this funding at areas of the country that need it the most, we will help spread opportunity and level up in every part of the United Kingdom.”