A COUNCIL is set to submit its plans to spend £3.5million of Whitehall cash over the next three years.

The money is from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) which replaces European Union grants post-Brexit.

A special executive meeting of Burnley Council has authorised the investment plan which will not be sent to the Levelling Up department.

It proposes a range of projects including a grants scheme to allow voluntary organisations and community groups to improve their neighbourhoods and community facilities; a programme of investment in green spaces and play facilities; a comprehensive programme of business support to assist businesses to be more productive, reduce their carbon footprint and create new jobs; and a program of support to assist people not in employment to help the move closer to employment, education and training.

Council leader Councillor Afrasiab Anwar said: “While it’s disappointing that we’re receiving less money than before through EU programmes, it’s still good news to see almost £3.5million of investment coming into our borough over the next three years.

“Our investment plan clearly sets out how we will use this funding as effectively as possible to make sure we squeeze every bit of value we can out of it.

"The focus will be on supporting local business growth and entrepreneurship and boosting our communities and supporting the skills of our residents and businesses.”