Communities in Allerdale and Copeland will see £1 million-worth of investment.
The council receives money through the Sellafield Social Impact Investment Fund to help support both the Sellafield Social Impact Strategy and the council’s own priorities.
As part of the strategy, the money must be split evenly between the former council areas of Allerdale and Copeland and can be used to support projects, initiatives and activities which benefit the local community and economy.
Over the next 12 months, £350,000 has been earmarked to be spent on regeneration and economic development across the two areas.
Almost £200,000 will be spent on supporting the community and voluntary sector and addressing social inclusion. The rest will go towards supporting sports, leisure and cultural activities.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: “I would like to thank Sellafield for their continued commitment to these communities in making this funding available.
“Particularly throughout the past decade of austerity, this funding has played a vital role in supporting these communities and I am pleased to see it continue today.
“We are of course inheriting a legacy of how these funds were spent by our predecessor councils.
“As some of the funding remains integral to the ongoing delivery of various established activities, our plans are largely to continue and build on what already exists, while we take the time to consider what we might do in the future with this funding to help us meet our long-term aim of improving the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
Gary McKeating, head of development and community for Sellafield Ltd, said: “We’re working closely with Cumberland Council to define joint priorities. It’s pleasing to see that the SIIF is to be spent on activities that will benefit a broad range of people in our community.”
Cumberland Council executive members agreed the plans in their meeting on June 27.
