Community Improvement Fund

A community improvement fund is something which make a lasting and noticeable improvement to the neighbourhood or environment and the enhances the quality of life for the whole local community.

Examples include

• Improvements to communal gardens
• Projects that deter flytipping
• Improved recycling facilities
• Improvements to signage
• Benches
• Notice boards

Anyone who lives in a South Lakes Housing property, or any staff member with the full backing of residents.

Each year there is allocated funds for community improvement projects which is allocated proportionately to the size of the area covered. The funds are spilt between all areas of South Lakes Housing properities. The maximum value for an area is £2,000 for a year. Projects over £2,000 will be considered in exceptional circumstances.

If a project does exceed the maximum value, residents should work with their Neighbourhood Partner to try and source alternative funding or part funding for the project.

The Customer Engagement Partner will oversee all funding to ensure budgets are being met and there is no overspending.

At South Lakes Housing we aim to approve as many applications as possible that meet our criteria below.

If an application has been declined residents must wait a minimum of 12 months to reapply for the same project.

Examples of eligible criteria

• Communal garden improvements
• Plant trees, plants and shrubs
• Patio and decking in communal areas
• Promoting health and wellbeing
• The active involvement of local people in the delivery
• Proposals should have a direct, lasting and noticeable improvement on the appearance of a street or area. Improvements to communal gardens
• Projects that deter flytipping
• Improved recycling facilities
• Improvements to signage
• Benches
• Notice boards

Ineligible for funding:

• • Improvements in private gardens or projects that will only benefit an individual
  • Routine repairs and maintenance
  • Projects that cannot be completed within 12 months of the grant being confirmed.
  • Works to be carried out on land that is not SLH property
  • Play areas

Procedure

The community improvement fund will be advertised on social media, our website, posters and by word of mouth. Posted quarterly to promote.

The application form will be available on our website, via social media and paper copies on request.

All application forms should be returned to getinvolved@southlakeshousing.co.uk

Applications will be reviewed on a bi-monthly process, all decisions will be published within a timely manner of the meeting.

Where there are insufficient funds available, members may defer the proposal to the next financial year or request that it is presented to Asset Management for consideration to be included in any future environmental improvement programmes.

If a project will take longer than 3 months to complete, monthly updates will be expected from the residents to the Customer Engagement Partner.

If we do not approve the application, we will still let you know. We will explain why it was unsuccessful and if possible, suggest other organisations who may be able to help and support with the project, where this is possible.

The decision is final and there is no right to appeal.