Council launches £100k fund to boost local towns

The Council hopes the new “Town Centre Vitality Fund” will support activities and events aimed at increasing footfall and visitor experience in the borough’s high streets and local shopping centres.

Council Leader, Cllr Richard Biggs, said:

“Supporting our towns and villages is a key priority for the Council.  This funding is designed to help business and community groups develop projects that will attract more residents and visitors and ensure that our towns and local centres continue to thrive.  We recognise that our local high streets have a very important role to play for both our local economy and our communities.”

The Fund is open to local town centre groups, community organisations, local councillors and private sector organisations that can demonstrate they have consulted with and have the support of the local community.  It will be managed on a first come, first served basis and will close in March 2025 or when the funds have been fully awarded, whichever is sooner.

Applications welcome

Applications are welcome for projects that meet the following criteria and that are based in the borough.  They will be assessed by the Council’s Economic Prosperity team with the final decision dependent upon approval and sign off from the Portfolio Holder.

We will accept applications from:

• Recognised town or local centre representative groups and community organisations that represent a consensus of local views in that community and have their own bank accounts.
• Private organisations with own bank accounts if they can demonstrate that they have consulted widely with the local community and have the support of a recognised town or local centre group that represents a consensus of local views in that community.
• Local councillors who can demonstrate that they have consulted with and have the support of a recognised town or local centre organisation that represents a consensus of local views in that community.

Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible, proposals must be able to provide a contractor, if necessary, and to deliver an activity within the time scale.  They will also need to demonstrate how success will be measured.  Funds cannot be used for any public realm improvements that create a capital asset, i.e. must be removed within two years, or an ongoing liability, e.g., the purchase of Christmas lights.  Where funding proposals require permissions and licenses, funds will only be released once the Council has seen evidence of those permissions.

The fund is a finite pot and, once a quarter, the remaining balance of funds will be published.  Once all the funds have been allocated, the fund will be closed, and notification published.

For more details including how to apply, see our website.