Funding at the North East LEP

We are working with our regional partners and government to secure funding for the region that enables the development of critical assets.

We currently manage four funding streams.  These are the North East Investment Fund (NEIF), North East Enterprise Zones (EZs), The Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Getting Building Fund (GBF).  More detail on each can be found below. 

In line with the government’s Levelling Up white paper, published in February 2022, regional economic development funding will be primarily channelled through combined and local authorities, rather than through local enterprise partnerships.

The North East LEP manages multi-million-pound investment programmes designed to improve and support the North East’s economy. Over the period 2015 -2022, our investment programmes are valued at over £760m.

Funding at the North East LEP is managed in accordance with our Assurance Framework.

You can find a summary here of all funding awards made by the North East LEP since 1 January 2021. This list includes awards made in compliance with UK Subsidy Control regulations that are also published on the UK National Transparency database.


Funding streams

Over the period 2015 -2022, our investment programmes are valued at over £760m. These funds are:

The North East Investment Fund is an evergreen capital loan funding supporting projects that specifically encourage local economic growth and create jobs in our area.  The fund totals £55 and is a combination of £25m Growing Places funding and £30m Regional Growth Fund.

Find out more.

The North East Enterprise Zones cover 21 sites across the region. They provide tax breaks and government support for both new and expanding firms.

Find out more.

Northern Powerhouse

The Local Growth Fund (LGF) £270m capital programme operated from 2015-21 and formed a key element of the North East Growth Deals agreed with Government between 2014 and 2017. It has allowed us to progress ambitious growth measures, together with our regional partners, to achieve the objectives set out in the North East Strategic Economic Plan.

LGF funding has supported major transport, skills and innovation infrastructure and investment in strategic employment and regeneration sites across the North East LEP area. Several projects remain in progress with completion for all projects planned for 2024/25 when a final programme impact evaluation will be undertaken.

Find out more.

Northern Powerhouse

In August 2020, the North East LEP was awarded £47m from government’s Getting Building Fund for local infrastructure projects to support the regions recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The funding is being spent on 18 public and private sector led projects. Six projects are included in a ‘Commercial Property Investment Fund’ pilot initiative that has informed the development of a new regional Commercial Property Investment Fund planned for launch during 2022/23.

The Getting Building Fund forms part of the government’s New Deal for Britain announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. It sets out government’s strategy to rebuild Britain and fuel economic recovery across the UK

The Getting Building Fund is now closed for applications.