Shop Security Grant Scheme – a BIG success for local businesses

2023 saw the launch of Wakefield Council’s Shop Security Grant Scheme. The scheme was created to help local businesses secure their premises and deter anti-social behaviour. Eligible businesses were given the opportunity to apply for up to £6,000 towards the cost of making security improvements, including installing new CCTV cameras, alarm systems, security shutters etc.

The Scheme has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and was due to close in March 2025 or when all available grants and funding had been allocated. The scheme was widely welcomed by local businesses, many of whom submitted expressions of interest as soon as the grant scheme was launched.

The Council has been delighted by the level of interest in this scheme and the enthusiasm it was met with by members of the district’s business community. 

Due to the volume of enquiries and grants approved in principle, all funding has now been allocated. However, in some cases applicants who have successfully applied for grants may not be able to meet the necessary criteria, in which case any offers will be withdrawn, and this funding will once more become available. 

Therefore, any expressions of interest received after 25 September 2024 will be put on a waitlist and will be considered on a case-by-case basis should unclaimed grants become available.

Wakefield city centre was the first area to benefit from the grant scheme, which was then extended to cover other towns across the district. Most recently businesses in Castleford, and Normanton have enhanced their security thanks to the Shop Security Grant Scheme.

In total the scheme has approved 34 grants covering 43 properties allocating £211k of funding to local businesses with an additional £65k being contributed to improvement works by the businesses themselves.