The HEREFORDSHIRE Council will invest £ 6 million in projects to help recover local economies and communities from the coronavirus.
The £ 6 million economic and wellbeing restoration plan was agreed by Cabinet yesterday (June 24th) to address the significant impact on the local economy and people’s wellbeing, mental and physical health.
In Herefordshire, many key sectors are hardest hit, such as tourism and leisure, food production and distribution. Young people are affected by disruption in education and the lack of apprenticeships and job opportunities, the council said.
The Economic and Welfare Restoration Plan focuses on four priority areas:
Economy and Resilience: Business grants such as grants and facilities are provided, and Herefordshire is promoted as a fantastic place to visit and shop, supporting the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors as well as an attractive place to invest.
Safe and Inviting Spaces: With incentives like discounts on activities, improvements like refurbished storefronts and infrastructure for events, people are encouraged to return to our cities and the wider county by investing in footpaths / public pathways and public seating areas.
Employment support: Advice and support when returning to work, opportunities for retraining / career change and the search for new job opportunities are offered from a single source. A new youth employment center provides additional support for young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Wellbeing Support: It will provide opportunities for individuals, families and communities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through free events, activities and online resources, as well as increased support to reduce alcohol use.
Alderman David Hitchiner, chairman of Herefordshire Council said: “This additional £ 6 million investment recognizes that we must do more now to support the county’s economic recovery and wellbeing. Our focus is based on what our residents and businesses consider important, and on our understanding of the needs of our county for a successful and sustainable future.
“The council has already urgently put in place a wide range of activities to support local businesses and save local jobs. For example, to date we have provided nearly 20,000 grants totaling over £ 100 million to local businesses and more than £ 6.5 million in external funding for a variety of activities such as promoting tourism, getting people back to the shopping streets and offers 16- to 24-year-olds work experience.
“We know the importance of connecting people with their communities and the world, and helping people feel safe and supported. The investments, support and activities outlined in the recovery plan will help manage the impact of Covid-19 on people of all ages as our communities look to recovery. ”