East Staffordshire Borough Council has today announced the launch of The Ward Enhancement Programme (WEP), which is targeted towards improving local prosperity in areas across the Borough.
The purpose of the programme is to deliver local regeneration initiatives across East Staffordshire under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment priority of ‘Communities and Place’.
Applications are invited from local community groups or through East Staffordshire Borough Councillors on behalf of those groups.
The total amount of funding available through the WEP is £1,500,000, which must be fully spent by 31st March 2025. Projects must demonstrate that they can be delivered before this deadline in order to be considered for funding.
Grant applications can be for an amount between £10,000 and £50,000 and the funding is entirely capital based and so cannot be used for revenue schemes, such as ongoing financial support for projects.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with local residents, community groups and Parish Councils when developing their application. As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to set out and evidence any local support for their proposed project and will ultimately be responsible for publicising and promoting the project locally. This can and should be supported by local Councillors for the area in question.
Cllr Rob Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, said: “I am excited to see such funding be available to the many deserving local communities and groups across the Borough. I encourage all applicants to take the time and effort to properly engage with residents before applying. This fund is all about community and this is something that should be apparent in your application.”
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/regeneration/ward-enhancement-programme