03/04/2024 - Luton to get £1.89m from The National Lottery Community Fund to innovate and create a brighter and fairer town

The Council’s Social Justice Unit, in partnership with The University of Bedfordshire, The Young Foundation and Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation are key stakeholders in the Taskforce  which operates to drive forward the Luton 2040 agenda.

By working together with the people of Luton, the Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise sector, the work of the Taskforce focuses on understanding the reasons for inequality in the town and how to best bring about positive change for the benefit of all.

The innovation funding will be used to address objectives which underpin the LTF’s agenda.

The funding will support the continued development of the Taskforce, developing new ways of working alongside our voluntary, charitable, faith and social enterprise sector as well we deliver a citizen-led development programme to empower the next generation of citizen leaders.

Importantly, the impact of the funding upon the lives of the people of Luton will be closely monitored. The effectiveness of systems and development programmes will be evaluated in order to better shape the direction of travel.

The focus of this aspect of the work will be to explore new transformative ways of working, whilst putting Luton citizens at the forefront of local, regional and national change. The work from Luton, along with six other areas will shape and influence how partnership working can take place across the UK.

Adam Divney, Service Director for Citizen's Engagement and Legal Services, said: “This is an exciting time for the council, our partners, and the citizens of Luton. To secure funding to trial new ways of working, influence how as a town we work, and to shape the future of the UK shows the innovative way that Luton is stepping forward and showing why we are on the up. Thanks to National Lottery players without whom this funding wouldn’t be possible.”

Karen Perkins, CEO, the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation, said: “Funding, fairness and equity are at the core of our work. We are pleased and proud to be a partner in this initiative and look forward to the systems change it will bring about for the town.“

Professor Andrew Church Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “We are very pleased to be a partner in this important project supported by the UK Fund which builds on our Civic Agreement with Luton Borough Council and our commitment to working with the communities of Luton and Bedfordshire.”

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are committed to distributing at least £4 billion in National Lottery funding to UK communities by 2030 and using it to strengthen society and improve lives. Supporting people to come together is key to this. Feeling part of a community is a powerful thing and it’s great to see that reflected in both our report and the grants we’ve announced today. Now, thanks to National Lottery players and our UK Fund, people will have even more opportunities to connect with others, enjoy the benefits of being part of a community and create transformational change.”

Luton Council is the only authority in the country to be awarded funding from The UK FUND, run by The National Lottery Community Fund.