Bids to secure funding to help save valuable community assets from being closed, sold or falling into disrepair are being encouraged by Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely.
The Island’s MP has said the Government’s £150million Community Ownership Fund could help to save some community assets if community groups and Town, Parish and Community Councils apply.
The fund can be used to protect assets such as community centres, cinemas and theatres, galleries, museums, music venues, parks, post office buildings, pubs, shops and sporting and leisure facilities.
Mr Seely said:
“The Community Ownership Fund has been supporting community groups across the country to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost for good. I want to see if we can take advantage of it on the Island.
“What is different from previous rounds is that now town, parish and community councils will also be able to apply and the amount of funding available for individual projects is increasing from £250,000 to £1million, plus the matched funding percentage is increasing to 80% as well.
“I’m encouraging eligible organisations on the Island to consider the potential of this fund and submit bids where feasible to help save, and unlock the potential of, some of our community assets.”
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So far around £24million has been committed to supporting almost 100 projects across the UK helping to protect community centres, heritage buildings, pubs, and sporting facilities.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:
“Whether it’s the pub on the high street that’s facing closure, a village shop or a local sports team that might lose its ground, the Fund offers a great opportunity for local groups to take them over and to run them as businesses – by the community, for the community.”
Round 3 of the fund will open on 31st May 2023 and will close at 11:59 on 12th July 2023. There will be 4 bidding windows each year at regular intervals until March 2025. Expressions of interest to confirm whether project proposals are likely to be eligible for funding can be submitted now.
More details can be found here.
Come on Bob, we all know that your number one concern is Savannah Cats. You couldn’t care less about people.
So save Brown’s Bob
Pop up Bob ..come on this administration couldn’t organise a snowball fight in a snow storm ..so can one of your parliament buddies organise this and at the same time find the special deal ??
I truly think it’s a good thing. We’ve been granted £3.5m for extensive renovations to Newport con club. We’re going to add a sauna and jacuzzi for our members and non members will be able to use the new, open access, pop up food bank via a new street level window (saving us the inconvenience of having them come inside). It’s going to be great!
Go away unfunny blob
Gave me a laugh even though it’s not true:-)
Obviously a low bar for your sense of humour
Why has this info just come to light, what makes Mr S think the Council is switched on enough to apply for the funding, most of those in a position to put a case forward are jumping ship.