H&F Council to allocate £300k to community groups

Some £300,000 is to be allocated by Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council to various community groups in 2012.

The money is being handed out under the local authority's Fast Track small grants scheme and the figure represents a substantial increase on the £100,000 given out in the previous year.

As a result, anyone looking at flats to rent in Hammersmith & Fulham could see an improvement in the activities offered by local residents off the back of the funding awards.

So far, 53 groups have been allocated £143,000 under the system - the maximum that can be given to one organisation is £10,000. However, this means there is still another £153,000 of funding available for those companies that can demonstrate a requirement for it.

Councillor Joe Carlebach, cabinet member for community care, said: "Despite the unprecedented economic downturn, the council has found a way to treble the amount of money that we are offering through our Fast Track scheme compared to last year."

He added the council is proud of the work it does with voluntary groups and charities in order to help them put on projects or activities. Since the system was introduced in 2007, there have been 449 grants handed over.

The council has also approved a Supplementary Planning Document for the future development of the Earls Court area. Jointly produced by Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council, the Greater London Authority and The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it seeks to create a new residential-led urban quarter.

It is hoped the project will bring 7,000 jobs to the location, new social and community facilities and retail units. From 2016, all residential buildings must be zero-carbon, while all other buildings have to fall into line by 2019.

Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh described it as a "once-in-a-lifetime" chance to bring houses, employment opportunities and major neighbourhood improvements. He added new schools, parks, health centres and shops could all be created as a result of the initiative.

Posted by Martyn Glynn

Published 4th April, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited