NEWS: £2 million investment to support communities and businesses

Residents and businesses across the Malvern Hills District will benefit from a £2 million investment, designed to leave a lasting legacy for local communities, businesses and the local economy.  

The funding package, recommended by the council’s Executive Committee, includes:  

• £1 million for a new Investing in Our Communities’ Wellbeing Fund (from 2026 onwards)  

• £1 million to support local businesses, jobs and skills over the next two years  

Together, the investment aims to help people live healthier, safer and more connected lives, while protecting jobs and supporting the district’s economic future.  

The new Wellbeing Fund builds on the Council’s previous £4 million capital investment in Community Hubs for Wellbeing, which has already supported over 50 community facilities across the district.  

This latest funding will help that strengthen communities and improve quality of life across the district.  

Funding will be used to invest in:  

• Community hubs and shared spaces  

• Mental wellbeing and support services  

• Local voluntary and community organisations  

• Arts, culture and creative activities  

• Neighbourhood projects supported by ward councillors  

The £1m will be added to an existing pot, making a total of £1.4m to continue to provide economic support to its businesses when government funding programmes come to an end in March 2026.  

The new programme will focus on:  

• Business growth and resilience  

• Skills, training and employment opportunities  

• Town centre investment  

• Sustainable development  

• Tourism and the visitor economy  

Cllr Jennie Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Communities at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This investment in community wellbeing is a vital step to support communities to become healthier, safer, and stronger by protecting and enhancing where people live for current and future generations. It will help strengthen local services, bring people together, and ensure everyone has access to the support they need.”   

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This funding comes with a proven track record demonstrating its value in helping local businesses to grow and create opportunities for people to gain valuable skills. It’s about building a stronger, more resilient local economy for the future.”    

Funding will begin rolling out from 2026, with projects delivered through to 2028. Key community infrastructure organisation, Community Action, will receive support through to 2030, ensuring this investment creates a lasting legacy for communities, businesses and residents across Malvern Hills District.  

People can visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/about-your-council/your-local-council to browse council meetings, minutes and agendas.