SLDC Conservative deputy leader, Tom Harvey, has welcomed a Government multi-million pound community boost as great news for the South Lakes.

Small grassroots community groups including neighbourhood organisations, parishes and local voluntary groups are set to get a direct funding boost of £2.5 million from the new Communities Fund, which was launched today, (December 9).

The new ‘Communities Fund’ is being launched to help local people who are struggling to manage. It will be targeted depending on local pressures, and could be used to help those facing domestic abuse, to provide support for disabled children’s services or to support those facing long-term unemployment.

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Alongside grants of £70,000 or more, grassroots organisations across the country will benefit from expert advice from the local government sector, training from a ‘grassroots network’ and advice on evaluating the success of their services.

Communities Minister Andrew Percy said: “Local grassroots community groups are best placed to understand the challenges in their local neighbourhoods and reaching those who need their help. This new multi-million pound fund will go direct to those groups of people who are struggling to manage, including those facing domestic abuse or long-term unemployment.”

Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in SLDC, Tom Harvey, said: “The launch of The Community Fund is clear demonstration of this Government’s commitment to a society that works for everyone and we strongly encourage organisations from across the South Lakes to bid for this funding.

“Successful projects will need a clear plan of how they can address the social problems they are seeking to assist, along with a network of partnerships and commitment to share the learning from their project. Successful partnerships will also get expert advice from a network of other grassroot organisations.”

Bids to The Community Fund have to be submitted by 19 January 2017. Details can be found on the Government website at http://bit.ly/CF161209