Community projects in South Tyneside set for £1.4million boost

Members of the borough's council's decision-making cabinet are expected to agree next week that the cash be shared between five community area forums.

They can allocate it as they see fit, to support a range of housing, environmental and social initiatives, providing neighbourhood solutions to issues raised by residents.

Coun Ed Malcolm, lead member for resources and innovation at South Tyneside Council, said: “Although we are having to operate within the limitations of ever-decreasing budgets, we remain committed to providing this funding to address those issues that residents highlight as being important to them.

"Community area forum funding allows local priorities to be met. The money can be used for a variety of uses - from re-decorating a youth club to providing additional litter bins - and often benefit the community as a whole.”

As well as providing funding through the forums, the council also works closely with communities to help access additional funding and support from charities and the voluntary sector.

One of the ways it does this is through an online funding tool, which enables groups to find funding from EU, national, regional and local sources, for a wide range of projects.

It features a database of hundreds of grants and other financial assistance, comprehensive funding information, contact details of funding providers, local news and support.

Community and voluntary groups’ access to individual funding schemes depends on the nature of the group and the activities they run.