FundingLocal Authorities can look to a myriad of funding opportunities available to implement cleaner safer greener initiatives.Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are partnerships between businesses and the local authority to improve the trading environment and the public realm. Businesses make a fair and transparent agreement with the council to pay an additional levy in return for extra services. Information on Business Improvement Districts: can be found at www.ukbids.org.uk The Big Lottery Fund will distribute half the money for good causes from the National Lottery to fund charities, the voluntary sector and health, education and environment projects – as well as large-scale regeneration projects. A key theme is "promoting community safety and cohesion", and it aims to encourage people to become actively involved in their local communities. Its other goals are to enhance the urban and rural environment, to make public places safer, and better designed and maintained. It also aims to enable communities to tackle local environmental problems.. http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Local Area Agreements (LAAs) - Further information on Local Area Agreements, which aim to provide local authorities and their partners the freedom and flexibility to find local solutions to local problems can be found at www.odpm.gov.uk under the local:vision documents. The Safer and Stronger Communities Fund (SSCF) forms part of the Safer and Stronger Communities block for each LAA. It combines ODPM and Home Office funding streams in a single fund worth more than £660m over the next three years. The fund will be used to reduce crime and the fear of crime, improve public spaces and help local communities to influence decision-making and the delivery of services – all of which will improve the quality of life for people living in disadvantaged areas. This fund is being made available to local authorities in England. www.neighbourhood.gov.uk Private Finance Initiative (PFI) - the PFI is the means whereby central Government offers financial support for partnerships between the public and private sectors. It will be used to fund the refurbishment and new building of social housing for rent, together with the provision of associated services, such as repairs and maintenance, estate security and rent collection. The Housing PFI programme can contribute to sustainable regeneration, estate remodeling, crime reduction, and training and work opportunities. www.odpm.gsi.gov.uk, under Decent Homes in the Housing section Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs) - although primarily to make more homes ‘decent’ – in reasonable repair and with modern facilities - up to 5% of a bid for ALMO funds can be for works to support sustainability. This work might include environmental improvements, projects to improve the community’s safety and security, or other measures that help to create communities in which people want to live. www.odpm.gsi.gov.uk, under Decent Homes in the Housing section Transferring housing stock to Registered Social Landlords - councils needing additional funding to improve their housing stock can choose to transfer some or all of their housing to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) who can borrow money to buy the houses, bring them up to a decent standard and maintain them. These organisations must be registered with and regulated by the Housing Corporation. Transferring housing stock can help housing renewal, improved service delivery, and greater tenant involvement. It also improves the community’s facilities and environment, and it can allow for training to enable local people to make the most of their potential. www.housing.org.uk/library/viewfile.asp?fid=2965 S16 Tenant Empowerment Programmes such as the "Making Things Happen" small grants programme can fund a wide range of neighbourhood improvements, such a community gardens and facilities. www.traffordhall.com The voluntary and community sector (VCS) is able to access many sources of funding, particularly for capital works, which can help to match public sources of funding. The VCS can also provide skilled people to help manage and maintain residential areas, run events and activities, and raise funds. They should also be supported by the local authority. It can, for example, provide resources to support 'friends of' groups and match-funding for projects and maintenance activities. BTCV and GreenSpace hold directories of local community groups. Useful contacts:
An overview of public spending plans for 2005-2008 was set out in the Spending Review 2004: Stability, security and opportunity for all: investing for Britain's long-term future, which is available at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spending_review Related links:  Calling for Expressions of Interest86% Quality Parks and Open Spaces66% Placecheck Toolkit Research Evaluation48% |
