Bigger grants after changes

COMMUNITY projects and local improvement schemes will benefit from bigger grants after changes were proposed to a Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council grant pot.

Since its launch in 2005 the Parish and Communities Initiative Fund (PCIF) has given away almost £1 million.

Now councillors are looking to agree to increase the maximum allocation per parish and per project as well as up the percentage contribution.

Full council will discuss the plans on September 6.

A report states: “During 2016/17 the total committed spend since the inception of the scheme will reach £1 million. It has been a considerable success. Nevertheless it is important to ensure that parishes and communities, particularly smaller ones, gain the maximum benefits from access to and use of this fund.”

While the total pot will remain at £125,000 a year it is suggested the maximum allocation per parish go up from £10,000 to £12,000 and the maximum allocation per project be increased by the same amount.

The borough council will also put in 60% of project costs, not 50% as before. Plaques will no longer be offered - a small proportion of the grant went on their production - so 100% of the money will go direct to the project.

Some easing of eligibility criteria is also proposed, allowing consideration of projects with limited access - outside of 9am to dusk - and also car parks and boundary fencing - but only if the fund is undersubscribed.

During the last year money has gone to Hinckley Museum for a notice board, installation of flower planters, improvements to the Horsepool in Burbage and gravestone repairs.