Moves to unlock cash pot for groups in need
Plans to change the way in which funds from developers are allocated could unlock a funding pot of more than £130,000 for worthy community projects.
Developers behind major schemes such as large housing developments in Dudley have to contribute cash to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
It has already helped fund a number of projects, including a £200,000 flood management and drainage scheme at Delph Road and Turners Lane in Brierley Hill.
Around £60,000 has also been allocated to Shell Corner Partnership to help improve footfall for local businesses, and more than £8,000 went to Black Country Radio to fund a new digital studio at the station.
But in a paper set to go before Dudley Council’s ruling cabinet, it reveals there is £133,341.65 which has so far been unallocated.
Council bosses want to share the money equally across all wards and community forum areas to increase the chances of it being taken up.
Restrictive
Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “We currently have a pot of money available to be spent which has been given to us by developers to improve the borough.
"We only have so long to use it, and after that we have to return it to the developers by law.
“The problem with the current system is that it is too restrictive, and that in many cases there simply aren’t any projects in the ward areas that are suitable for the funding.
" As a result, it sits unspent and builds up.
"By relaxing the strict criteria - which we can now do thanks to recent law changes – it will cut the red tape, allowing us to spend it on worthy projects and schemes.”
Cabinet members are being asked to back the proposal at a meeting on Thursday.
