Hillingdon Council is set to allocate its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant for 2025/26, focusing on improving pride in place, supporting skills training, and boosting local businesses. The Hillingdon Council Cabinet will discuss the proposed allocations at its meeting on Thursday 26 June 2025.
The UKSPF is a central government grant administered through the Greater London Authority (GLA). Hillingdon's allocation totals £1,106,910, including £996,910 from the GLA and an additional £110,000 secured through a tri-borough bid with Ealing and Harrow for a business support project. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, has agreed and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ealing Council for the tri-borough element.
The capital element of the grant, designated as a 'High Street Regeneration Fund' (£665,656), will be directed towards projects enhancing town centres. Proposed allocations include £315,000 for Uxbridge Town Centre to commission detailed designs and costings for public realm projects outlined in the Uxbridge Vision, such as the Civic Centre Forecourt and St. Andrew's Roundabout redesign. A further £300,000 is earmarked for Hayes Town Centre to enhance the public realm, address safety concerns, and invest in small-scale sports facilities. A smaller amount, £50,656, will extend the shopfront improvements grant scheme to other local high streets.
The revenue allocation (£331,253 plus £110,000 from the tri-borough programme) will support local businesses and skills development. Plans include commissioning business mentoring and guidance for SMEs, niche support for under-represented demographics, and an employability support and employment brokerage service. An ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) into work programme will also be commissioned to address language barriers.
The Cabinet will also discuss the proposed closure of retail operations at the Rural Activities Garden Centre, review a report on homelessness prevention, and allocate capital funding for education and special educational needs at the meeting.