East Lindsey District Council approves plans for latest phase of £20m Investment Fund to deliver more for local communities

East Lindsey District Council has given the go-ahead for ambitious plans for the second phase of the £20m East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF).

The decision was made by the council's Executive Board on Wednesday, July 1, with funding coming directly from the authority’s own funds. 

The East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF 1) was launched in September 2024, when the council allocated £10m to improve life for everyone across the district.

Over the past two years, ELIF 1 has delivered ambitious projects across coastal communities, market towns and rural villages, focusing on its four key priorities of community development, pride in place, tourism and events, and business growth.

Following the success of this scheme, the council allocated a further £10m for the second phase (ELIF 2) in March 2026, when setting its budget. The Executive Board was updated on the impact of the scheme so far, as well as approving the allocation of the second phase, releasing £10m to support transformational projects, community initiatives and economic growth across the district.

Investment so far has included a new wellbeing hub for Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa, a new play area at Park Avenue in Louth, public realm improvements in Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea, support for the Sir Joseph Banks Centre in Horncastle and improvements to visitor facilities at Old Bolingbroke Castle. The fund has also supported the preservation of Harrison Woodlands near Louth through one of England's largest woodland restoration programmes.

Through grant schemes and community funding programmes, investment has reached dozens of local organisations and community groups. Projects have included new community facilities, village hall improvements, youth provision, sports facilities, heritage projects, cultural activities and Atlantis Alliance- a multi-agency emergency response hub along the Lincolnshire coast. 

The programme has already helped improve 35 community facilities, created 107 volunteering opportunities, engaged more than 7,300 people and attracted more than £620,000 in additional match funding into the district.

The fund has also supported digital inclusion work with hundreds of residents, helped identify millions of pounds of unclaimed benefits for local households and supported events and volunteering activities attended by thousands of people. At the same time, investment in business growth is helping unlock employment opportunities, including plans to develop new employment land in Louth, with the potential to create around 200 jobs.

The second phase of the fund will build on the strengths of the first programme, responding to strong demand from communities, while also targeting areas where further investment is needed.

The newly approved plans include continued investment in community development programmes, support for vulnerable residents, a new parish council grants scheme and a further Pride in East Lindsey grant programme to fund local projects across the district.

Additional investment will support tourism and events, including activities at the Embassy Theatre, Spilsby Sessions House and Sutton on Sea Seaview Colonnade, as well as new tourism grant opportunities in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Funding has also been identified for heritage projects in Horncastle, Louth and Wragby, visitor infrastructure, business growth initiatives and strategic developments that will support East Lindsey's long-term prosperity.

Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: "This is probably the greatest opportunity we have had to make a difference to our communities, and I am delighted that we are continuing to build on the success we've already seen through ELIF.

"What has been particularly pleasing is seeing investment reach every part of our district. From our coastal towns to our market towns and villages, local people are seeing real improvements that make a difference to everyday life.

"Whether it is supporting community facilities, investing in our heritage, helping local organisations, improving public spaces, creating opportunities for residents or supporting businesses, this fund is delivering tangible benefits where they matter most.

"The enthusiasm we've seen from community groups, parish councils, businesses and volunteers has been fantastic. Local people know their communities best and many of the projects we have supported have come directly from the ambitions and ideas of our residents.

"The next phase of the fund allows us to build on that momentum, identify gaps and target investment where it is needed most. Money spent locally is money spent wisely, and we remain committed to ensuring this investment leaves a lasting legacy for communities across East Lindsey."

Further details about new grant schemes and funding opportunities will be announced later this year.