Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) Ward Councillor Grant Scheme Expansion
Following the successful launch of the scheme last year CBC have advised us of some exciting news about its expansion.
As of the 16 June 2020, CBC Executive agreed additional funding of £1,000 for each Ward Councillor to be able to use to support local groups, including Town and Parish Councils, which are dealing with the direct consequences of the current public health emergency. This is the link to the report.
The impacts of Covid 19 in our communities have already been enormous. Thousands of our residents are being advised to shield themselves from the risk of infection by self -isolating for a period of many weeks, others have regrettably contracted the virus and of course everyone has to a greater or lesser degree experienced the consequences of the lock down with particular challenges in terms of employment and incomes being affected.
Our communities have already responded magnificently to the situation in many ways, with established groups as well as newly created community and voluntary groups stepping up to assist.
In recognition of impacts of Covid 19, the CBC Executive approval of the expanded grant scheme means Ward Councillors can work with these groups to understand where the local pressure points are and to help to access funds to relieve these. Unlike the established scheme, bids for the Covid 19 grants do not need to be match funded.
Applications can be submitted on -line from Friday 19th June. We will use the same processes already in place for the Ward Councillor grant scheme. Guidance for applicants is also being updated and will be on the website together with the application form.