Money to help communities cope with new development protected

The New Homes Bonus grant from government is meant to help communities facing new development to plan projects to help them cope. Many councils have just rolled this money into the central budget, to pay for everything, but last year, Liberal Democrats persuaded the council that Area Forums should decide how some of this money is spent in the areas that have actually had the new development. At Wednesday's full council, it was confirmed that this money has been protected for 2013/14.

As Lib Dem group leader Ruth Davis explains, "Our communities are taking the hit and seeing hundreds of new homes built. It’s essential to protect this funding to make sure that the growth we're having is sustainable. Liberal Democrats in South Gloucestershire will always fight to make sure that local people have a say in their communities."

The recent area forums were the first chance for councillors to put this into practice. A number of projects in the Ladden Frome area benefitted. In Charfield, money was given to the Memorial Hall and the Charfield in Bloom project. In Frampton Cotterell, funding was allocated for access to allotments and new equipment for teenagers.

If there has been new development in your community and you have an idea for a project, get in touch with your local Focus Team.