Solihull Council is urging local groups and organisations to bid for funding for community improvement projects and almost £360k is up for grabs across eight wards in the borough.
The money is collected from new developments as part of the planning process. This is known as a Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the money is placed into ‘ward pots’ which are then open for bids or distributed to the 13 parish and town councils in the borough.
To be eligible to apply, groups and organisations must be formally constituted; have a bank account with two unrelated signatories; at least two unrelated management committee members if they are an unincorporated organisation or a voluntary group and show good financial management procedures including records of income and expenditure.
Councillor Alison Rolf, Cabinet Member for Stronger & Safer Communities, said:
"In these unprecedented times I am glad to announce these substantial amounts of funding available for seven of our wards. I know our community groups are busy supporting their local communities during this pandemic, but here is a chance to think of the future and put forward bids for capital projects that will improve their ward for years to come.
"I urge community groups in the seven wards to think about the bids they can submit and to get them in before 14 August 2020. And for those living in one of our parish or town council areas, the CIL funds are distributed to directly those organisations, so if you have an idea contact your local parish or town council."
Amounts available per neighbourhood area as follows:
Dorridge and Hockley Heath £41,959
Knowle £55,122
Olton £42,553
Shirley East £69,866
Shirley South £42,579
Shirley West £25,827
Silhill £49,403
St Alphege £31,772
Bids for funds must be submitted by Friday 14 August 2020.
For more information on how to apply visit Solihull Council website <http://www.solihull.gov.uk/cil>
