Community budgeting by Salford City Council added over £1 million worth of investment to community projects in the city last year.
That’s the finding of the latest report into Salford City Council’s community committees devolved budget scheme which distributes money to neighbourhoods across the city.
Last year’s scheme made available £350,000 to support local people and groups running community projects in eight neighbourhoods covering everything from environmental improvements to helping people learn new skills and get back to work.
But thanks to the drive and determination of the council’s neighbourhood teams and community groups which jointly secured an extra £878,926 in match funding from other grants, local partner organisations, businesses and charities and substantial ‘in kind’ support, the scheme delivered over £1 million worth of investment and improvements to Salford.
Councillor Paul Longshaw, lead member for housing and neighbourhoods said: “We’ve made available this council funding, despite difficult economic times, to help people improve their communities and their health and well being and it has really paid off. Nearly 67,000 people have got involved in their community through projects which this fund has helped.
“The groups also added to the council’s contribution thousands of pounds worth of additional grant funding, thousands of pounds worth of in kind support such as materials, free venue hire, skills and hours and hours of time from volunteers and organisations. And we know also that thousands of people across the city have had a smile on their faces as a result.
“It all adds up to an incredible investment for the good of our city – and a testimony to how strong the Spirit of Salford is that so many groups came forward and came together with great ideas.
“We had over 1800 volunteers taking part in everything from improving parks and litter picking to setting up job clubs which have already got people back into work and training. We’ve also seen a wide range of groups and activities for children and young people too and the committees joined forces to fund a team leader post for the Community Payback scheme to co-ordinate environmental improvements across the city.
“It shows that strong communities, working together and with the council really can make a difference in Salford. Thriving communities matter, so let’s keep on enjoying them.”
Funding is still available under this year’s scheme and any groups interested in applying can find full details and application forms at: www.salford.gov.uk/communityfunds
