RURAL communities across Rother could benefit from thousands of pounds to help fund projects that support local community facilities and services.
Rother District Council has opened its £100,000 Rural Community Infrastructure Grants scheme and the authority is now calling on groups and organisations in rural areas of the district to apply for funding.
Projects that could benefit from the grant scheme might include EV charging points for community use; community energy schemes such as scaled up biomass, heat pumps or solar; capital grants for kitchens in community hubs; and initiatives to protect local businesses and community areas from natural hazards including flooding and coastal erosion.
Capital grants up to a maximum of £20,000 per project can be applied for and all proposals must have at least 20 per cent of the total funding needed already in place.
Funding for the Rural Community Infrastructure Grants fund is provided by the UK Government through the Rural England Shared Prosperity Fund to support projects in rural areas outside of Bexhill and the surrounding area.
Councillor Christine Bayliss, Rother District Council’s lead councillor for regeneration, said: “This funding is ring-fenced for rural community groups and organisations only to apply for.
“We want to help rural communities with funding for schemes that encourage a sense of local pride and belonging in Rother through investment that enhances physical, cultural and social ties and improve local amenities.
“With £100,000 available, we hope to be able to help a number of projects across the district. I strongly encourage groups working on projects to improve community services and facilities to check if they are eligible for a share of this funding pot.”
Applications for the grant scheme opened on December 1. The funding is available until March 2025 and applications will be awarded on a first come first served basis until the total budget has been awarded.
For more information and to check eligibility, visit www.rother.gov.uk/regeneration/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/rural-community-infrastructure-grants/. Rother Voluntary Action can provide guidance and support with applications to the scheme.
Published: 18th December 2023
