Aerial view of Manchester

What does UKSPF mean for Greater Manchester?


The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a fundamental component of the UK Government's ambitious Levelling Up agenda. The fund allocates resources to all areas of the UK through a funding formula. It will help places right across the country deliver enhanced outcomes and recognises that even the most affluent parts of the UK contain pockets of deprivation and need support. 

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is the lead authority for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It has overall accountability for how the fund is administered in the city region. 

GMCA has outlined three main phases for the UKSPF implementation in Greater Manchester: 

  1. Investment Plan Development and Submission to UK Government
  2. Implementation Plan Development
  3. Delivery

By participating in the UKSPF, Greater Manchester aims to harness the opportunities presented by the fund to address economic disparities, uplift communities, and foster sustainable growth throughout the city region.

The infographic below outlines how the funding in Greater Manchester has been allocated:

Graphic reads: UK Shared Prosperity Fund Greater Manchester Investment Plan 2022-2025 £80.5m Left hand side: Communities and Place £27m Improvements to town centres and high streets Improving local green spaces and community places Support local arts, cultural, heritage and creative activities Supporting VCSE infrastructure Middle of graphic: Investing in enterprise infrastructure and employment / innovation sites. Investing in research and development at the local level. Strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems and businesses at all stages Promoting networking and collaboration Creating jobs Growing the social economy Far right: People and Skills £22m Launch of a Community Grants Programme to ensure VCSE organisations can bid for funding for local community-based projects supporting hard to reach and disengaged residents/communities Programme of activity to support economically inactive GM residents Local authorities granted funding to deliver NEET activity locally Support for employed residents - this programme will provide access to funded skills training for employed GM residents. Outcomes underneath: Resulting in: • Increase Employment • New & Growing Businesses • Increase in Visitor Numbers & Spend • New Products & Processes • Increase Footfall in Town Centres • Increase Numeracy Skills • Safer Town Centres • Green House Gas Reductions • Improved Perceptions of Greater Manchester • Increase in Opportunities for Local People • Reduce Vacancies in Town Centres • Improved town centres and highstreets • New and improved green spaces • Strengthened local entrepreneurial ecosystem • More people in employment engaging in the skills system