DEFRA has announced that the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) will continue for a further year in 2025/26.

With up to £33 million available, the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) will be used to improve local infrastructure and essential services that benefit rural communities and help businesses in rural areas to expand, creating jobs and kickstarting the rural economy. 

Examples of the types of projects that will be eligible for funding from the REPF include:  

  • Creation of rural business hubs providing shared workspace and networking opportunities for rural businesses.  
  • Development of new products, facilities or building conversions to help rural businesses diversify outside of agriculture.  
  • Community gardens and greenspaces.   
  • The creation of new footpaths and development of local visitor trails.   
  • Kitchens in community hubs and improvements to premises used by local volunteering groups, such as youth charities or carers groups.  

The REPF is administered by councils and in Lincolnshire the district and unitary councils have supported a wide range of business projects using REPF funding, with West Lindsey for example supporting both agritech businesses and farm diversification. 

Click here for more information and look out for further announcements during the spring as the new programmes are launched.