The New Homes Bonus grant from government is meant to help communities with a lot of development to plan new projects to help them cope. Last year, Liberal Democrats persuaded the council that Area Forums should decide how some of this money is spent in their area. This year, Conservative and Labour groups had wanted to seize the funding for the central pot – a grab which has now been halted.

At a Full Council meeting tonight (March 20th), Council confirmed that the communities would still have the money available to them in financial year 2013/14.

Cllr Ruth Davis (Lib Dem-Yate Central) said: “Lots of councils around the country have just rolled this money into the base budget, to pay for everything. But that wouldn’t work for us. Our communities are taking the hit, and seeing hundreds of new homes built. It’s essential to protect this funding to make sure that the growth we’re having is sustainable. Liberal Democrats in South Gloucestershire will always fight to make sure that local people have a say in their communities.

“These funds are helping do really good work – for example Ridgewood Preschool have bid to revamp their play area, so children will benefit from this new source of funding that comes directly from accepting additional housing in Yate. Charfield has put their money into culture, with Charfield in Bloom and the memorial hall receiving funding. Some areas still have funds available, and there will be more next year, so we hope more community groups will come forward with ideas.”

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