17 May 2023The government’s £150m Community Ownership Fund is now open for expressions of interest for local councils across the UK, aimed at helping ‘community groups to buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community’ and safeguarding their future. This is the first time the fund has been extended to local councils.
Rob Smith, SLCC Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that the government has extended the Community Ownership Fund to local councils across England and Wales. Along with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), SLCC has been active in pressing for the fund’s eligibility to be extended to local councils and it will make a real difference to local communities.”
Over £17m has been allocated to 70 projects so far including community centres, pubs and heritage centres, with the fund also available for sporting institutions, high street shops and more.
Members need to send an expression of interest at least 3 weeks before the closing date on 12 July 2023 – if successful you will need to complete an application form.
Click here for more information on the government website including eligibility requirements.
