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Between 2022 and 2025 it has delivered significant benefits to businesses, communities and residents throughout Neath Port Talbot.

The UKSPF is a UK government funding initiative. It aims to reduce inequalities and improve life chances by investing in communities, businesses, and people and skills. 

Headline UKSPF backed achievements in NPT in 2022-25:

• 940 businesses received non-financial support; 277 were awarded grants and 44 new enterprises were created.
• 271 full-time equivalent jobs were created and 490 safeguarded.
• Employability services supported a large number of people with help to find work – 166 people are now in employment due to this support and 1,092 people have gained qualifications, licences and skills.
• 84 organisations have received grants; 22 local events or activities were supported and 3,414 low or zero carbon items of energy infrastructure were installed.
• Many residents took part in the numeracy programme Multiply – more than 1,000 qualifications were achieved. 66 organisations were awarded grants.
• The Valleys and Villages programme supported by UKSPF investment improved or supported 47 facilities and helped develop or renew 28 commercial buildings.
• 1,676 people were supported to access basic skills training while 1,368 were people supported to participate in education.

Just a few of the many local projects supported by UKSPF money in 2022-25 have included the successful, volunteer-led Neath Arts Festival (16-24th October, 2024), the Friends of Seven Sisters Project (Community Cycling Facility), the Old Railway Tavern/Booths by the Bridge (artisan café), the installation of a Water Turbine at the Plas Cilybebyll Manor and Events Venue in the Swansea Valley and the installation of CCTV cameras to improve public safety in the Briton Ferry and Pontardawe areas.

Swansea University delivered short courses linked to net zero skills (SWITCH On Skills project), Neath Port Talbot Council delivered an apprenticeship programme, led an employability programme, provided people with paid work opportunities and also worked with NPTC Group of Colleges to support our young people to progress into training or employment. 

The UKSPF projects are in addition to multi-million pound aid from a separate UK Government tranche of funding, the Levelling Up Fund (LUF). LUF projects in 2022-25 have included a major upgrade of the Gnoll Country Park, a planned major programme to ease visitor pressures at Pontneddfachan in Waterfall Country and the regeneration of Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre and surrounding Civic Square on which work has just begun.

The council now looks ahead to the UKSPF 2025-26 Transition Year, building on this momentum to ensure even greater community benefit.

Neath Port Talbot Councillor and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth, Jeremy Hurley said: “Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we have not only supported our local businesses and created jobs we have also fostered a sense of community and resilience.

“The achievements we've seen are a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. As we move into the transition year, we are committed to building on this success and ensuring that Neath Port Talbot continues to thrive."

Applications for UKSPF grants have now closed for the 2025 - 26 year and successful projects will be announced in the coming weeks.