West Dunbartonshire Council has announced that applications are open for a fund to help community groups transform their local area as part of their Community Budgeting initiative.

Community Budgeting is designed to increase local participation and decision making, with local people having a say in which bids should be successful.

Now in its sixth phase, the initiative will see a total of £190,000 distributed to groups to invest in projects which will benefit West Dunbartonshire.

All community groups are eligible to apply for funding, though this phase will place a firm focus on activities and opportunities which are of benefit to the areas young people.

In previous phases, successful projects have included West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare.

With the £5000 they received, the organisation were able to ensure they met the increase in demand for emergency food support within West Dunbartonshire, and were able to continue providing a quality service.

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Also successful in Phase 5 was The Recycle Room, who received £5000 which they used to cover rent, storage and to continue their popular uniform & Christmas events.

Groups can receive full support in completing their application from the Council's Communities Team, with a range of drop in sessions throughout the area.

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: "The community budgeting initiative has already shown its value in ensuring local people have a say in what is needed in each area and can have a hands-on role in making those differences.

"In the last phases, many projects and communities benefitted, and I'm looking forward to seeing the ideas this time around."

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, added: "Having a conversation with local people about what they see as the priorities for their specific area is really important. As residents, they know the community inside and out and so have a better insight into where investment could make a real difference."

To apply, for more information on eligibility, or for support at a drop in please visit: Community Budgeting Phase 6 | West Dunbartonshire Council (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)

Applications for funding are open until 5pm on 16th December 2022, and completed applications and supporting evidence should be returned to [email protected]

Following a review of all applications, online voting will be arranged for early 2023. All voters will require an email address to participate.

In addition if you have an idea that does not fit with the community funding criteria, officers can provide advice on alternative streams of funding.