Jobs in jeopardy as Government dithers

Sheffield Lib Dems raised concerns at a Council Committee this Wednesday (7th) that the ‘UK Shared Prosperity Fund’ which is replacing money that previously came from the European Union still hasn’t been distributed yet with no date on when we will receive it.

The report says projects that were previously funded will need to be prioritised ‘to determine whether they should continue, adapt or end’. The funding currently pays for the equivalent of 51 full time jobs across Sheffield.

The fund is set to be distributed to the Mayoral Combined Authority from the Government. The Mayoral Combined Authority will then administer the money. As it stands, if the money isn’t distributed by March, it will go back to Government.

A question from Liberal Democrat member of the Economic Development & Skills Committee asked about a timeframe on receiving the money as jobs are at risk. He also asked if the Mayoral Combined Authority are set up to distribute the money as quickly as possible so we don’t end up losing it again.

Councillor Kurtis Crossland said:

“It’s an absolute travesty that with jobs at risk, there is no sign of the money coming from Government yet.

“And even though we haven’t received a penny yet, they have started the clock ticking. The current rules say if we don’t get it spent by March, the Government could take it back!

“We need assurances from South Yorkshire’s Mayor that they are set up and ready to get this money out as quickly as possible. We cannot risk any more delay and we certainly can’t risk this money being clawed back to central Government. Let’s get this money to Sheffield’s businesses as quickly as possible and get our city moving.”