With the first round of bidding for the Levelling Up Fund now closed, now is the time to start planning for Round Two and beyond.
Details of the timetable have not yet been published – but there are a few things we do know for sure.
We know that distributing the £4.8bn in the Fund will require multiple rounds – but it is best to get in early to avoid missing out. Local authorities will be able to reapply if they are unsuccessful.
All Councils in priority category one will receive £125,000 worth of ‘capacity funding’ from the government to support them to bid. This is intended to help access external expertise for the strategic and technical elements of the application.
The government has said that the bid assessment process will remain the same, focused on deliverability, value for money and strategic fit. Those bidding will be able to take advantage of accumulated knowledge, experience and examples from Round One. Mutual Ventures worked with a number of local authorities on bids focused on town centre investment, regeneration and heritage projects.
From this experience, we've put together a series of lessons to prepare yourself for the process. This includes councils starting their thinking early, doing the 'vision' thing upfront, showing how Levelling Up funding can unlock other money, and bringing all stakeholders on the journey.
Download our advice for getting ready for your bid and the lessons from Round 1
To discuss ideas, for feedback on proposed projects, and to learn how we can help you contact andrew@mutualventures.co.uk