Second round of West Berkshire Council's Community Infrastructure Funding bidding open

COMMUNITY groups and councils in West Berkshire can bid for a second round of funding for infrastructure projects.

West Berkshire Council is launching another round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 for use towards local projects to be implemented by March 31, 2023.

The bidding process is open to community groups and other infrastructure partners in West Berkshire, ward members, town and parish councils, and organisations that wish to deliver infrastructure that will benefit the residents and businesses in their area.

A first wave of funding in March awarded £495,519 in grants to village halls, clubs, and scout halls, as well as improving sporting and playground facilities.

Executive portfolio holder for finance and economic development Ross Mackinnon (Con, Bradfield) said: “We had a very successful first allocation of this, 18 bids were successful so we are going to do it again.

"It's a way of getting money directly to communities as we bounce back. It's really a win-win for all concerned."

The successful bids will be funded by £500,000 set aside by the council from its CIL, a charge levied on new developments.

The grants are on top of the 15 per cent, or 25 per cent with a neighbourhood plan, CIL that already goes to parish and town councils.

The proposed schemes must deliver the requirements of the West Berkshire Infrastructure Delivery Plan and meet the needs of the adopted Local Plan.

In addition, the proposals must demonstrate how the projects will fit with the Council Strategy and the Covid-19 Recovery Strategy.

Some of the groups to benefit in the first round were 1st Wash Common Scout Group who received £100,000 towards their new hall, East Ilsley Parish Council for restoring the village pond (£14,122), Newbury Town Council for promoting "Active Travel" to Newbury town (£11,500), and Pangbourne & District Tennis Club for a new surface for their courts (£12,000).

The new CIL fund applications runs from Monday, July 5 to Tuesday, August 31 and can be applied for at https://info.westberks.gov.uk/cilbidding