MP for Hertford and Stortford, Julie Marson, welcomed £472,841 in new government funding for East Hertfordshire to support local businesses and create jobs to grow the rural economy.

This is part of the Government’s new £110 million Rural England Prosperity fund to local areas across the UK, as a top-up of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Eligible councils, including East Herts, will begin to deliver on their plans in the coming weeks and receive the extra funding between 2023 and 2025.

Projects that will benefit should improve community facilities and support arts and culture to grow local tourism. Agricultural businesses looking to expand their remit and rural businesses looking to launch or grow will also receive investment.

Commenting on the news, Mrs Marson said:

“Rural areas like ours hold unique opportunities for growth and with the right investment and support we can harness that potential to create local jobs for local people and grow our economy.

“I welcome this extra funding for Hertford and Stortford and so many of the fantastic businesses it has to offer. I look forward to continuing to support both them and the Council to deliver this investment.”

Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Secretary, Therese Coffey, also said:

“Driving investment in rural areas is a vital part of our vision for levelling up the country.

“The new Rural Prosperity Fund replaces the bureaucratic EU funding system – allowing us to work closely with local leaders to direct funding where it is most needed to close the rural productivity gap, create job opportunities and protect the English countryside.

“This confirmed spending will allow local authorities to deliver on their plans to level up businesses and communities in rural areas from today, in line with their residents’ priorities.”