The themes under the UKSPF can support councils to embed equality, diversity and inclusion and tackle local inequalities, increase opportunities and improve public services for those living in poverty and furthest away from the jobs market.
Under UKSPF and levelling up more widely, local authorities are being encouraged to tackle inequalities, increase opportunities and improve public services. This can include people with protected characteristics, those living in poverty and furthest away from the jobs market. Local authorities have duties under the Equality Act, and will therefore consider how investments and decisions will tackle inequalities, prevent discrimination and foster good relations with different communities.
The themes under the UKSPF can support councils to embed EDI and tackle local inequalities.
- Communities and Places: the fund enable places to invest in restoring their community spaces and relationships to create the foundations for social and economic development at the neighbourhood-level. Neighbourhoods that experience the largest inequalities may have targeted action to strengthen the community and further build pride of place.
- Supporting Businesses: encourage growth of the SME sector with schemes such as supporting female led start-ups.
- People and Skills: aims to reduce levels of economic inactivity and move those furthest from the labour market closer to employment through investment in bespoke employment support tailored to local needs. This includes improving employment outcomes for specific communities who face labour market barriers, ensuring that all interventions are inclusive.
