A total of £2.1 million of capital money has been awarded to Dorset from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The use of these funds is determined by Investment Plans, which are agreed between Dorset Council and HM Government.
The funding aims to address the recognised challenges of rural locations including:
- lower productivity rates
- poorer connectivity
- poorer access to key services
The majority of the Dorset Council area is eligible, with the main exceptions being the built-up areas of Ferndown, West Moors, Weymouth and Wimborne Minster.
Dorset has plans under the key areas of ‘Community and Place’ and ‘Local Business’ to deliver interventions that:
- support rural businesses
- support rural communities
Funding from REPF is to strengthen and improve the rural economy and communities by providing community infrastructure and support for capital projects for small businesses. Following consultation the following actions have been selected:
- Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) grants, including a specific allocation for SME Low Carbon projects
- Trail development and marketing
- Digital connectivity for rural communities
- Community sustainable energy projects
- Active travel enhancements
