Councillor Ward Improvement Scheme
The Councillor Ward Improvement Scheme is funding available to our 36 councillors, who can put forward proposals for up to £3,000 to be spent in support of their community each year.
This is a trial scheme for one year. The pilot will be reviewed in March 2027 to understand the impact of the funding and whether it should continue.
What the grant can be spent on
Councillors can invest in as many projects that meet funding criteria within their budget. The minimum spend is £100 per project.
Councillors from different wards can apply jointly for bigger funding amounts to cover a wider area, but the money must benefit the residents in each of the wards.
Examples of projects that could benefit are:
- Improvement to community facilities - such as changing rooms
- Community events benefitting a range of residents
- Facilities to support part of the community - such as improved access and facilities for those with disabilites
- Benches
- Floral displays
What the grant cannot be spent on
- Projects of a party political nature, including supporting political organisations
- Supporting religious or specific groups, where the benefit is for that group only
- Requests which directly benefit a sole individual or family
- Support to lobbying or campaign groups
- The direct employment costs of staff, general running costs or hospitality payments
- Anything that will bring the Council into disrepute or damage the Council’s reputation
Applications
Councillors submit applications for projects in their ward. Applications include evidence from the project or community group detailing what the money is to be used for. Bank details and copies of bank statements are needed as all funding is paid by BACS transfer.
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A summary of approved grants will be published at the end of the financial year.