Community Benefit Scheme launching to enable community action on the environment
In April 2018 the collection of landfill tax was devolved to Wales. A portion of the monies collected from this scheme will be used to fund initiatives within the communities affected by proximity to a landfill site or waste transfer station. The grant fund will launch for applications 30 April 2018.
WCVA will be administering the grants which will support activities under three themes:
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 £49,000 will be available, there will be two grant rounds per year. There will also be the opportunity to apply for one nationally significant grant award with a value of £50,000 to £250,000 made 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.’
If you’d like to keep up to date with news about the scheme and to find out more about eligibility and the application process, check out these webpages.
