MS James Evans is encouraging businesses and organisations to take advantage of the UK Government’s levelling up fund.

The UK Government has previously said that its Levelling Up Fund is focused on investing in communities across all parts of the UK.

The second round of the Levelling Up Fund was announced in Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak’s spring statement last Wednesday, March 23.

It builds on the recent Levelling Up Fund which was originally announced two years ago as part of the 2020 Spending Review and provides a source of capital investment in local infrastructure to build on and bring together existing programmes.

The aim of the fund is to improve opportunities across the UK and give more say to residents.

The first round of the fund supported £1.7 billion of projects in more than 100 areas in all areas of the UK - £120 million were delivered in Wales.

James Evans, also the Shadow Minister for Mid Wales, said that investing in infrastructure has the potential to improve lives by: giving people pride in their local communities; bringing more places across the UK closer to opportunity; and demonstrating that government can visibly deliver against the diverse needs of all places and all geographies.

He added that our local communities and the links between them across the UK are fundamental parts of our shared economy, culture, and society.

Mr Evans highlighted that the Levelling Up Fund gives businesses in Brecon and Radnorshire a unique opportunity to get ahead of the game and tap into large levels of funding previously unavailable to them.

The MS for Brecon and Radnorshire said: “In the last round of funding Brecon and Radnorshire organisations successfully bid for millions in funding to regenerate their businesses.

“This time I want more organisations and businesses than ever before to apply for funding, if you think your business has a bright future and you want to expand then please, take a look at the levelling up prospectus on the UK Government’s website.

“I believe our area has huge potential and investment like this is long overdue. We must embrace the evolving economic outlook ahead and capitalise on such investment.

“If you want to chat about this further, then please contact my office.”

Applicants will be able to submit projects across three areas: local transport investment, town centre and high street regeneration, and cultural investment.

To apply for investment from the second round of the Levelling Up Fund, applicants must submit their full bids with supporting documents online by 12pm on Wednesday, July 6.

For more information on the second round of the Levelling Up Fund, including whether you’re eligible and what you’ll need, see the UK Government’s prospectus by clicking here.