A 拢1.8million investment plan from East Devon District Council has been conditionally approved by 鈥 Levelling Up鈥 secretary Michael Gove.

The money is to support the transition to a net zero economy, business development and to provide new skills and training opportunities.

The money, which is designed to replace structural payments to the area from the European Union, will be made in three annual instalments.

Funding over the first year (2022/23) will be set at 拢218,005, for the second (2023/24) 拢436,011 while funding for year three (2024/25) is expected to be 拢1,142,347, subject to terms and conditions.

The money will be drawn from 12 funding pots and support programmes for East Devon, including one for local business, as well as a sustainable tourism fund and an employment support initiative.

Cllr Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council鈥檚 portfolio holder for economy and assets, said approval of the plans was 鈥渇antastic news鈥 for the area.

He added: 鈥淲e had expected confirmation of the funds in October. This means we will need to work very quickly to allocate year one funding before March 31 2023.

鈥淲e will be calling for grant applications from East Devon businesses for a new round of the innovation and resilience fund and a new culture, leisure and tourism Fund. Full details of the criteria for grants will be made available as soon as possible.鈥

Read next:

Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.