Funding boost keeps Sunderland support rolling

Sunderland City Council has announced a £5.7 million extension of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) initiatives, running through to March 2026. 

Officials say the funding will support a wide range of local priorities, including digital inclusion, workforce training, business support and employment access for residents. 

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “The continuation of support that we know has delivered significant benefits for residents, businesses and the voluntary and community sector in Sunderland will provide a major boost to the city.  

“UKSPF ensures we can put in place targeted support and assistance that stimulates economic development, helps communities and benefits the lives of our residents.  

“Having the choice locally to channel funding into projects that we know work for our city is brilliant.  

“We have been able to evaluate the success of the first phase of UKSPF to really understand the value the programme offers, and that means that we can direct this latest tranche of funding towards the activities that will have the greatest impact.”

Delivered on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership, the programme has already had a positive two-year impact and will now build further on efforts to improve the city’s economic and social prosperity.

Ken Bremner MBE, chief executive of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, and chair of the Sunderland Partnership, added: “The continued support of UKSPF funding until March 2026 is fantastic news for the city, enabling innovative partnership projects, which have proved successful in the first phase of funding, to continue to deliver real benefits to residents, community groups and businesses in Sunderland. 

“Working together these projects will continue to deliver a comprehensive package of support that will build on the excellent outcomes achieved to date and contribute to key City Plan priorities.”

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