21/11/2022: Breckland rural areas could benefit from £1 million investment

Breckland Council Members have voted to approve an investment approach for the Rural England Prosperity Fund, which could see the district awarded £1 million to help tackle some of the challenges facing Breckland's communities and businesses.

At their meeting today (November 21), Breckland Cabinet discussed how the funding could be used to deliver a range of projects. These potentially include nurturing micro and small businesses, schemes to create and safeguard jobs, the promotion of tourism, and funding for cultural and heritage projects.

The funding is expected from April 23 onwards and would mean Breckland Council attracting even more national investment into the district, which will support residents and businesses to thrive, whilst attracting visitors to the area supporting the local tourist industry. As a result of this application, the council now intends to bring forward a series of active travel, walking and cycling solutions to help better connect communities, support the visitor economy, and support zero carbon transport options which is part of its Breckland 2035 zero carbon emissions commitment.

Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Director for Economic Development and Growth at Breckland Council, commented: "This bid for significant funding could make a huge difference to our local communities and go a long way in supporting rural projects, improving facilities, whilst creating and safeguarding jobs We are very hopeful that we'll be approved for this funding, which will help deliver some really exciting projects for our rural communities."