The engagement of this project has ended
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Thank you!
Thank you to everyone that participated in the programme, whether you were an organisation that submitted a bid or a resident that voted to show support for a project. Applicants will be contacted by the Neighbourhood Grant team in the next few days. We are still working through all the ideas that were submitted on the ideas wall, and will be responding to all of the contributions in the new year.
Sixteen schemes that benefit the local community will receive funding following a decision by Watford Borough Council’s Cabinet this week (28 November)
£150,000 of the town’s Neighbourhood Grant funding pot was awarded to local groups, including schools, charities and sports clubs, to support initiatives that will make a real difference across the town.
The funding – which is managed by the council and available on an annual basis – is generated from a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that developers pay on new housing developments in the borough. Its purpose is to support local projects that address the impact of new development and ensure local people benefit from sustainable growth in the borough.
To ensure grassroots involvement by people in their local area, grant allocations were influenced through a voting poll to show public support for the projects. There were over 2,000 votes and successful applicants were shortlisted based on meeting the requirements of CIL regulations and the council’s agreed Neighbourhood Grant priorities: These include:
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “It’s great to see so many local organisations have taken advantage of the grants available. The funding is supporting projects that will make a real difference to the lives of people in our communities. It has also been brilliant to see the wide range of proposals from our diverse community, helping people get more actively involved in their neighbourhoods.”
Cllr Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “Watford’s Neighbourhood Grant is just one way to help communities feel engaged and included in the future development of their neighbourhood, street, road, park or community centre. As the town continues to grow, it’s important we create communities with the infrastructure needed for local residents.”
The next round of funding will be in open for applications again in summer 2023, however, you can email NCIL@watford.gov.uk if you want to find out more in advance. To read more about the projects, please visit https://watfordneighbourhoodgrant.commonplace.is/