The power is in your hands
Community groups urged to apply to £1.5m fund
Residents in Renfrewshire’s villages have a unique opportunity to shape their own place, according to council leader Iain Nicolson.
Councillor Nicolson recently went along to Kilbarchan Community Council in the latest of a series of visits to hear about local issues.
They discussed a range of new funds set out in the council’s 2018 budget, which will give local communities the opportunity to lead projects that matter most to them.
A £ 1.5million Community Empowerment Fund is now open, supporting community members to take ownership of assets such as a community hub or sports facility in their area.
And a £370,000 Villages Investment Fund and £1.5million Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas Fund are being rolled out later this year.
Local groups are also benefiting from changes behind the scenes to create a single point of contact for information and assistance.
Councillor Nicolson said: “We have committed dedicated funds to give residents in our villages and towns the chance to make things happen within their local communities.
“These funds can act as the catalyst for our talented thriving community groups to drive positive action on their doorstep.
“We want to encourage groups to lead grass roots activity and are here to support smaller projects too.
“There was a positive response from members of Kilbarchan Community Council to these new opportunities and they agreed with our approach to develop a partnership approach with community groups.
“It can sometimes be difficult to know who to contact at the council and that’s why we’ve simplified the process ensuring people can access the support we offer as easily as possible.”
There was further discussion on the review of Local Area Committees, restructuring them to give community delegates a greater say, and on possible traffic calming measures for the village.
The visit to Kilbarchan follows meetings with Inchinnan, Bishopton and Paisley North Community Councils in recent months.
Councillor Nicolson added: “I have always said that I want to meet community groups and organisations Homelessness groups and councils are sharing in a £21 million handout to help find vulnerable people get a roof over their head.
The move helps rough sleepers and those in temporary accommodation get support in finding new homes.
Experts from the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group have helped shape the advice in tackling the scourge of destitution.
Jon Sparkes, chair of the Homelessness who share in our ambition to make Renfrewshire a great place to live, visit, work and invest in.
“These community council visits give me an important opportunity to hear first- hand about what’s happening across Renfrewshire, to share best practise and highlight new opportunities. We are listening to what our communities have to say and want to help them to achieve our shared goals.”
Damon Scott, chairman of Kilbarchan Community Council, said it was helpful to meet Mr Nicolson.
He explained: “Iain’s interest and attendance was much appreciated. We were excited to hear of plans to provide more support to local communities via community empowerment.
“We very much believe an identity and pride in place is at the heart of every successful community and this was also highlighted as a focus for the partnership approach in the future.
“We look forward to working with the council and other partners to continue to make Kilbarchan an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Community groups can call 0141 618 7408 or email communityplanning@renfrewshire. gov.uk for more information. & Rough Sleeping Action Group and chief executive of national homelessness charity Crisis, said: “Everybody in Scotland deserves the dignity and stability of a safe and stable place to live, so we are very pleased the Scottish Government has accepted our recommendations to tackle homelessness across the country.
“Right now far too many people are either at risk of becoming homeless, or are already stuck in temporary accommodation or sleeping on the streets. When we know what it takes to end homelessness, this just isn’t right.”
Housing minister Kevin Stewart added: “We know that homelessness is not solely a housing issue and we are committed to tackling the wider risk factors of homelessness and rough sleeping, including poverty and the increased risk of homelessness due to UK Government welfare cuts.”