RESIDENTS and businesses across Somerset are being asked how they would like to see a £7.26million windfall spent.

The county has been allocated the cash from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to invest between this year and 2025.

It is part of the Government’s national Levelling Up agenda and now Somerset is developing a Local Investment Plan (LIP) to support the key objectives of the fund.

People can say how they believe the money could be spent to build pride in communities and increase life chances.

Cllr Val Keitch, Somerset County Council executive lead member for local government reorganisation and prosperity, said: “Somerset County Council is committed to being a council that listens to its residents, and your input can help shape the LIP for this funding.

“I would urge everyone to have their say in this consultation to help ensure that this money is channelled into projects that will make a real difference in Somerset.”

Somerset’s LIP will set out the themes and types of projects that will be prioritised with the funding over the next three years.

The Government has set out three main investment areas:

communities and place – investing in infrastructure, green spaces and community-led projects;

local business – creating jobs, providing support for those starting businesses, and improving retail, hospitality and leisure facilities;

and people and skills – boosting core skills and supporting people to progress into work.

The questionnaire will be open until Friday, June 24.

The responses will help inform the priorities for the Local Investment Plan, which will then be submitted to the Government for consideration.

It is hoped that the council will be able to begin delivering activity from the autumn this year.

Have your say on how you think the money could be spent HERE.