Rural England Prosperity Funding Allocation in the South West for 2025/26
South West councils will allocate funding - latest information
The funding allocations are now available for the recently announced extension to the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The fund has now been extended to March 2026 with an additional £33 million made available to support productivity in rural communities. The REPF supports the aims of the government’s Missions and Farming and Countryside Programme. It funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure in rural areas. This will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
This year's fund equals just 30% of the original budget, but is welcomed all the same and has a fixed 12-month spending window between 1 April 2025 to the end of March 2026.
The CLA has lobbied extensively for this fund, which is more important than ever given the challenges our rural communities face.
There has been varying success and differing approaches by authorities in the delivery of this fund, but CLA national and regional teams will continue to provide advice and support to ensure funds are accessible and available.
The funding provides capital funding to:
- support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy — this includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams
- support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy
It cannot be used to fund farming equipment or infrastructure or to diversify within agriculture. REPF can however provide capital grants for small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas where this is intended for farm business diversification projects outside of agriculture (for example, creating rural leisure and tourism facilities) as set out in the interventions table.
This funding should not replace funding plans for rural areas under the UKSPF. It is a top-up to help address the extra needs and challenges facing rural areas.
How much is available from your local authority?
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
£1,669,912
£229,240
Devon and Torbay (East Devon, Exeter, Mid-Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay, Torridge and West Devon).
£1,826,589
£619,966
Forest of Dean District Council
£184,299
£132,766
£1,029,919
£120,261
£120,261
West of England (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire)
£248,623
Wiltshire Council
£794,662
The CLA South West team will keep members updated with information on the rural fund in each area. Please keep an eye out for our monthly email communications.
