Luton Council approves £18.9m investment into 'improving' area
The fund will invest £6.3 million each year until 2028/29 in projects that 'improve residents' lives'
Luton Council's Executive has approved an £18.9 million Resilience Fund to invest 'in local people, neighbourhoods and public services over the next three years, helping build a stronger, more resilient town. The funding will help people into work, strengthen communities and protect vital services'.
The council says the fund will invest £6.3 million each year until 2028/29 in projects that improve residents' lives while strengthening the council's long-term financial resilience.
The approved programme will aim to invest in:
• supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) into positive futures
• expanding the council's employment support offer
• creating community digital hubs and pilot a small grants programme to expand digital skills support helping more residents access education, employment and essential online services
• funding in children and young people, including additional support for care leavers
• building on improvements already made in the town centre with a programme to further improve safety, support vulnerable individuals and significantly expand events and cultural programme
• introducing a new approach to tackling bins left on pavements through education, engagement and enforcement
• improving support for people living with dementia and their families
• using modern technology to help older and vulnerable residents live independently for longer
• strengthening homelessness prevention and improve supported housing services
• investing in the council's workforce and digital innovation to deliver better services and greater value for residents
Tahmina Saleem, Leader of Luton Council, Councillor said, "This fund is about prevention by investing in people and places earlier.
"We know that helping people early delivers better outcomes. Whether that's supporting someone into work, helping an older resident remain independent longer, preventing the causes of homelessness or creating cleaner, safer neighbourhoods for all of our wellbeing. These investments will improve people's lives while ensuring every pound spent is impactful.
"Long-term resilience brought about by early intervention and investment goes hand in hand with better outcomes for residents. That is what counts. By modernising services, embracing technology and intervening earlier, we can help residents live healthier, more independent lives while ensuring the council remains financially sustainable”.