The next phase of a £7.6 million investment programme designed to support the services that matter most to Nottingham residents has been put forward by Nottingham City Council.
The latest proposals, due to be discussed at the Council’s Executive Board meeting on 12 May, would commit a further £3.83 million to support children, young people, families, local businesses, and cultural organisations across the city.
The proposals build on the council’s improved financial position, achieved through strong financial management and increased funding from central government.
As a result, the council was able to set a balanced budget, including £25 million of additional investment to deliver priorities set out in the Council Plan.
Leaders say the new funding allows Nottingham to invest in preventative services and opportunities that directly improve quality of life for residents.
The first phase of the investment programme, announced last month, committed £3.77 million to a range of practical, high‑impact services.
These included free bulky waste collection, enhanced street cleaning, free holiday swimming for under‑16s, free period products, school uniform support, investment in apprenticeships and jobs, and a programme of free public events.
The council says the second phase builds on this momentum, extending support into new and expanded areas.
A central feature of the second phase is the Young People’s Jobs Fund, which aims to support 1,000 young people over two years.
The fund would remove financial barriers to employment by funding placements, skills bootcamps and employer incentives, alongside outreach, mentoring, and mental health support.
The programme is designed to help young people access work, training, and progression at a critical stage in their lives.
The proposals also include funding to expand early support and engagement for young people and families.
Up to 40 youth workers would be supported through enhanced youth provision, offering earlier engagement, careers advice, skills development, wellbeing support, and practical help.
Funding would also be directed towards enrichment activities - including music, arts, sport, and leadership programmes - particularly for children from low‑income families.
The council plans to extend the Nottingham Imagination Library, providing more children aged birth to five with a monthly high‑quality book delivered to their home.
The expansion aims to strengthen early language development, literacy, and school readiness, supporting better outcomes from the earliest years.
Further proposals include targeted investment in the Nottingham Business Growth Service, providing specialist advice and hands‑on support to help small and medium‑sized businesses increase productivity and grow.
Additional funding would increase access to welfare rights advice for residents, while family support services would be strengthened to improve how people access information, advice, and early help within their communities.
The Cultural Investment Fund would provide small grants for community organisations, festivals, artists, and cultural groups, alongside support for larger cultural events that bring people together.
The second phase also prioritises better engagement with residents.
Plans include re‑introducing an annual residents’ survey to understand perceptions of life in Nottingham and satisfaction with council services, along with a return of the Arrow magazine to ensure all residents can access clear information about services, events, and activities.
Nottingham City Council Leader Cllr Neghat Khan commented:
“Nottingham deserves a council that is ambitious and focused on delivering real change, and this next phase of investment shows exactly what that looks like in practice.
“By putting more resources into jobs for young people and youth services, support for families and businesses, and cultural opportunities, we are investing in people at every stage of life and helping communities thrive.
“These proposals build on the progress we have already made and demonstrate our commitment to tackling inequality, supporting families, and creating opportunity across our city. There is more to do, but our direction is clear – we are continuing to deliver our Council Plan and build a fairer, stronger Nottingham.”
If approved by the Executive Board, the funding will mark the second phase of a wider investment programme focused on jobs, opportunity, prevention, and community wellbeing.
Image credit: iStock
