Community and voluntary groups are being given a further opportunity to help shape the future of their local area by submitting bids for funding from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
Bidding originally opened in the spring and was suspended as the council prioritised the COVID response and council staff were moved to ensure vulnerable residents had the necessary support.
The bidding reopens in August and proposals, including endorsement by a councillor, must be received before the end of September.
Councillor Eber Kington, Chairman of the Strategy & Resources Committee said “We are pleased to be able to make the latest round of funding available and we hope local community organisations will take advantage of this opportunity.
“While the COVID situation remains, this is a further demonstration of the council supporting local initiatives for the benefit of the local community and economy. CIL funding must be used for infrastructure projects, so this particular funding cannot be used for other worthwhile causes.”
CIL is a levy payable by developers and is charged according to the size of developments. 15% of CIL is set aside for community bids and, for 2020/2021, there is £250,000 available to support a range of projects, both large and small.
Bids must have the support of a borough councillor and it’s advisable for groups to discuss plans with their Ward councillors and the relevant council departments to help shape their bids before submission.
The scheme has been running for two years and successful schemes include, funding for new children’s playground equipment, restoration of footpaths in Horton Country Park and additional street lights. Funding in 19/20 was also agreed for improving community clubs, including a boxing club and scout premises.
The closing date for 2020/21 applications is 30 September.
Bids will be evaluated by a panel of councillors in two stages, bids successfully passing the first stage will be asked for more detailed information before the successful schemes are selected. Winning bids will be announced in January.
Original Details:
Community and voluntary groups are being given an opportunity to help shape the future of their local area by submitting bids for funding from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
CIL is a levy payable by developers and is charged according to the size of developments. 15% of CIL is set aside for community bids and, for 2020/2021, there is £250,000 available to support a range of projects, both large and small.
Councillor Eber Kington, Chairman of the Strategy & Resources Committee said “We are pleased to make the latest round of funding available and we hope local community organisations will take advantage of this opportunity.
“Bids must have the support of a borough councillor and it’s advisable for groups to discuss plans with their ward councillors and the relevant council departments to help shape their bids before submission”.
The scheme has been running for two years and successful schemes include, funding for children’s playground equipment, repairs to pathways in Horton Country Park, defibrillators installed across the borough, additional streetlights and improvements to scout halls.
The closing date for 2020/21 applications is 31 May 2020.
Bids will be evaluated by a panel of councillors in two stages, bids successfully passing the first stage will be asked for more detailed information before the successful schemes are selected. Winning bids will be announced in September.
CIL Neighbourhood fund application guidance – here
Bid form to apply for funding - here
Image shows Horton Country Park paths renovated after a successful bid from the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy.
