More than £3m to be allocated to support businesses and enhance skills

It will also help to enhance skills and training opportunities, and support community-based activities.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet will agree how the borough’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will be used during the next year when it meets on 17 March.

Businesses and entrepreneurs will benefit from an earmarked £1m to develop their businesses and boost their productivity.

Three core projects will help entrepreneurs develop and test their ideas, offer support, and help firms transition to low carbon.

Along with these projects, a new “shop units grants” programme will focus on improving shop units in the town centre and other local high streets.

Proposals also support the delivery of community-based projects, such as the Open Arms one-stop-shop advice sessions which take place throughout the borough.

Dedicated funding is allocated to investing in the borough’s infrastructure, including the Rotherham Markets and Central Library Development, and multi-use game areas for the Football Foundation’s Playzones programme.

Rotherham Council’s leader, Councillor Chris Read, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is crucial for supporting our local businesses, enhancing skills, and enriching community life.

“It enables us to fund grass-root projects and activities that have a real impact in our communities and on our residents’ lives.

“We are committed to ensuring that these projects deliver real benefits for the people of Rotherham.”

The key projects and spending proposed include: