Communities in B&NES will benefit from a £59,000 funding boost to help address local needs under Lib Dem budget plans for the coming year.

Under the proposals, each Councillor will have access to a £1,000 “empowerment fund,” which they will be able to use to support local projects and improve residents’ lives.

The Lib Dem-run Council reinstated the scheme in 2019 and 2020 and are proposing to continue in 2021 with additional funds.

The money can be put to a wide variety of uses, including tree planting, providing litter picking equipment, or supporting services to vulnerable people.

Councillors work with residents, community and voluntary organisations, and Parish and Town Councils to agree projects.

Mendip Councillor David Wood commented: “It’s brilliant news that this scheme is being made available again going forwards. I know that Councillors and communities really value having a fund dedicated to each ward.

“It means that we can work together to get local projects or improvements in place quickly and make a real difference. 

“Over the last fifteen months, I have been able to allocate funding to consulting on building a pump track in Temple Cloud, replacing Finger Posts in Hinton Blewett [pictured], planting trees in East Harptree, funding community events in West Harptree and supporting Temple Cloud in Bloom projects.

“These are the sorts of small improvements that matter to local people. Continuing the fund for another year really shows how the Lib Dems are committed to listening to residents and putting them first.”

Residents should contact their ward Councillors if they would like to make suggestions for the funds.

Proposals should align with the Council’s corporate priorities: addressing the climate and nature emergencies, giving people a bigger say, preparing for the future, focusing on prevention and delivering for residents.