Telford & Wrekin Co-operative Fund launched for local projects
Telford & Wrekin Council’s community fund has been re-launched to reflect the authority’s drive to become a Co-operative Council.
It is now known as the Ward Co-operative Fund and enables elected members to put forward proposals for projects to address local issues or support local community groups.
A total of £54,000 has been allocated for the fund – which will be divided into £1,000 per ward member. However, it is possible for wards to join up funding allocations for larger projects.
The funding will be allocated to projects or groups that are in line with Telford & Wrekin Council’s powers to promote or improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area.
The money can be allocated by the ward member to a Town or Parish Council, to a resident or voluntary group or payment can be made via a council service.
One of the major differences between the Ward Co-operative Fund and its predecessor is that ward members have all year to allocate the funding and the spending can be spread throughout the year if required.
There is also scope for parish councils to match fund the available money so that a total of £2,000 is available for ward members to allocate, in conjunction with the parish.
The aim is that the money will be used to fund projects that primarily benefit the people living in the ward where the money is spent.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, said: “Your Money Your Projects was a huge success last year with a wide range of projects completed across the borough.
“I was delighted with the variety of ideas people came up with and I am sure that will be the case again this year with the new Ward Co-operative Fund.
“The whole initiative epitomises what being a Co-operative Council is all about – working closely with individual councillors, partners and the community to improve the everyday lives of people across the borough.
“Sometimes it doesn’t need big money to do that – just a bit of imagination and thought as to how a fund can best be used to make things better.”
Residents who have ideas for any projects in their ward that they believe the money should be spent on should contact their local ward member. Their contact details can be accessed at www.telford.gov.uk/councillors
During Co-operative Fortnight (June 25–July 7). Telford & Wrekin Council is highlighting a key initiative that it is taking become a co-operative council each working day during the fortnight and the difference that this is making for people in the borough.
Telford & Wrekin as one of the UK’s leading co-operative councils is supporting Co-operative Fortnight part of the UN designated International Year of Co-Operatives.
You can keep up to date at www.telford.gov.uk/cooperative or bon Twitter by following @TelfordWrekin or using #TFcoop
