VCSEs write to Minister about L&L Growth Funding exclusion
Leicester and Leicestershire’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector has called on Government to reconsider the area’s exclusion from future Growth Funding allocations.
In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Leicester Social Enterprise Network, Ethical Business Exchange, and Voluntary Action Leicester and Leicestershire warn that the decision risks undermining organisations working with residents and communities facing the greatest challenges. The signatories warn the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP that the absence of funding “places Leicester at further risk of decline”.
The trio argue that VCSE organisations have delivered strong outcomes through UK Shared Prosperity Fund programmes, including helping residents into work, strengthening enterprise, improving skills and confidence, and building community resilience.
However, the letter states that “all UKSPF-funded projects have now been forced to close”, bringing employment, enterprise and community-support programmes to “an abrupt end”.
The organisations also stress that the VCSE sector is “an effective and trusted delivery partner” -particularly in engaging people furthest from the labour market, including new arrival communities and young people in workless households.
The decision to exclude Leicester and Leicestershire from future Growth Funding allocations should be reviewed, the letter states. The trio urge Government to explore alternative ways to direct resources to the city and county, maintaining support for employment, enterprise and community-led initiatives.
The letter - signed by Chris Shaw, Director, Ethical Business Exchange Ltd; Dave Brazier, Convenor, Leicester Social Enterprise Network; and Kevin Allen-Khimani, Chief Executive, Voluntary Action Leicester and Leicestershire - copies in Leicester West Liz Kendall MP, Andy Reed, Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership, and Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.
Who we are
Devolution Leicestershire is an industry-education-VCSE coalition.
Founded in 2026, its purpose is:
- To accelerate a Devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
- To press for fair Government funding for LLR while the Devo deal is done.
George Oliver is a Non-Executive Director at East Midlands Chamber, an Ambassador for Leicestershire Business Voice and the Chair of Charity Link. He is Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Leicester. George is the Managing Director of 1284 Communications and a former Editor of the Leicester Mercury.
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