Council fund invests £27m in pandemic recovery projects

Close to £27m has been invested in projects to help Swansea recover from the economic impact of the pandemic the council has revealed.

Projects forming part of Swansea Council’s economic recovery fund include grants to help local businesses improve the look of their properties, a pop-up energy advice centre giving tips to local residents, and the upgrading of many play areas across the city.

A paid work placement and training project has also been introduced at the council, along with a resource to provide direct welfare benefits advice and guidance to residents.

In total, the economic recovery fund has invested in 120 projects since the summer of 2021.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Like all towns and cities throughout the UK, Swansea felt the impact of the pandemic, which is why a fund was set up to help our communities recover.

“Projects forming part of the fund have been focussed to provide help where it’s been most needed – whether that’s improved play areas for local families, support for our local businesses and sports clubs, initiatives to help people save money, or more resources to ensure as many residents as possible are claiming the benefits they’re entitled to.

“Many thousands of local people will benefit from these projects for many years to come, although the economic recovery fund has now been temporarily closed for new applications as we divert our resources into essential services. This is due to the financial climate and the support we’ll be providing for residents throughout the cost of living crisis.”

Other projects covered by the economic recovery fund include the introduction of a free bus travel initiative, a further investment in road maintenance and repairs, and the waiving of pitch hire fees for Swansea sports clubs.

Swansea Bay’s promenade is also set to be lit up at night from Mumbles all the way to St Helen’s sports ground, thanks to an investment from the fund.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)