Local projects report wide-ranging benefits

Sunderland's residents, communities and businesses are reaping the benefits of a locally directed funding pot that has created new opportunities, improved facilities, and provided vital support for thousands of people since its launch.

Impact data for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) - which put Government funding in the hands of local authorities to ensure support is targeted to meet local needs - highlights the wide-ranging benefits for people, community organisations and businesses across Sunderland.

Key findings from a report commissioned by Sunderland City Council summarises impacts achieved to March 2025. These include:

• 165+ community spaces improved — from parks and youth centres to cultural venues
• 900 job outcomes and 2,700 people gaining skills or qualifications
• 487 residents supported into work or self-employment
• 6,000+ community events and activities delivered
• 333 tonnes of CO₂ savings, helping Sunderland go greener
• Over 1 million engagements with people participating in events, activities and services
• A £26m boost to the local economy.

A total of £14.3 million from UKSPF has been invested into 27 projects across Sunderland to March 2025, with 24 projects continuing to benefit from a further £5.7 million to March 2026. The programme aims to invest in local communities and enhance pride in place, boost economic growth and business support, and improve life chances through skills development.

Since January 2023, UKSPF has funded a wide range of support services and activities - from helping residents through the cost-of-living crisis to creating jobs, training opportunities and community hubs.

Residents are already seeing the difference. The Pavilion in Pallion has been transformed into a lively community hub offering youth activities, wellbeing programmes and a new café run by a local resident. St George's Church Annexe now houses a welcoming café and activity space tackling food insecurity and loneliness. Cost-of-living projects have helped families save money on food, energy and bills, while also connecting them to wider community support.

Businesses have benefitted from grants, mentoring and innovation support, with more than 135 new enterprises launched and hundreds of jobs created or protected. Training and mentoring programmes have given people of all ages the confidence and skills to find work, start apprenticeships, and progress in their careers.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "This funding is all about local interventions and partnership working - using the knowledge and insight of the local authority and local partners to identify funding priorities that deliver maximum social and economic impact for Sunderland.

"Through targeted support, we have been able to invest in the spaces, skills and opportunities our communities need to thrive. Whether it's a parent learning new skills, a young person finding their first job, or opportunities for new businesses to start up and grow, the impact has been significant. There is real potential for the partnerships that have been built and strengthened through this funding to make a positive impact in the city for years to come.

The programme will continue until March 2026, thanks to a transition year of funding, bringing even more investment into communities, businesses and skills across the city. Sunderland City Council and partners have taken insight from the first phase of UKSPF to inform the allocation of this next tranche of funding, directing £5.7m into 24 projects across the three investment priorities of the programme.

Under the first investment priority - Communities and Place - £1.6m of UKSPF grant has been allocated in the transition year to support a number of projects that will continue to: improve access to and participation in creative and cultural opportunities; strengthen voluntary and community sector facilities, infrastructure and services, including responding to the cost-of-living crisis; enhance the Links for Life Sunderland programme and community digital health hubs across the city; and support a youth partnership project to deliver a wide range of outreach activities.

Under investment priority two, £2.0m of UKSPF grant has been allocated to support local businesses and entrepreneurs via a range of programmes, boosting local enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation, and supporting the transition towards a greener economy.

Under investment priority three - focused on people and skills - £2.1m of UKSPF grant has been invested in projects that are addressing key employer and local labour market skills needs, enabling local people to progress into new opportunities, and gain new skills and qualifications that enhance career progression.

For more information and to see how projects are making a difference in Sunderland, visit https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/22952/UK-Shared-Prosperity-Fund-UKSPF-in-Sunderland