Community Benefit Scheme is now open for applications
In April 2018 the collection of landfill tax was devolved to Wales. £1.5million per annum has been allocated to the scheme and will be used to fund initiatives within the communities affected by proximity to a landfill site or waste transfer station
WCVA is managing the grant scheme which will support activities under three themes:
This new grant scheme is a great opportunity to provide community benefits through grant funding whilst also supporting local wildlife, natural habitats, and healthy functioning ecosystems. We want to hear from projects who care about their community and understand what local people need to become healthier, more prosperous, or increase community cohesion.
All applications will need to demonstrate the positive impact they will make on the community.
Speaking about the fund, WCVA’s Grant Funds Manager, Catherine Miller said;
‘The Landfill Tax Disposals Communities Scheme in Wales will replace previous schemes under the pre-devolved tax collections. We’re pleased to announce that the new centralised all Wales scheme will open to applications not only from groups close to landfill sites, but also those close to waste transfer stations and treatment centres. It will also consider applications from all sectors.’
Main grants between £5,000 and £49,999 are available, the first round is now open as of 30 April 2018, with a deadline of 26 July 2018. Projects will be informed of the outcome of their application by September 21 2018 and successful projects will start by October 2018. There will be two grant rounds per year.
Talking prior to the launch of the Landfill Tax Disposals Communities Scheme, Sean McHugh of Wales Biodiversity Partnership said;
‘It’s great that this communities benefit scheme has such a strong environmental focus. Dedicated funding to support community level action on biodiversity and waste minimisation, plus the wider theme of environmental enhancement, is much appreciated to the environment sector in Wales. I am looking forward to seeing some great projects on the ground in the coming months.’
To find out more information about project eligibility and to apply, please visit WCVA’s webpages on the Landfill Disposals Tax here. Email LDTgrants@wcva.org.uk with any general enquiries you may have.