Bucks councils unique way of giving out grants to help with the pandemic has been congratulated on its success.
It's been found that the Council's 'bottom up' approach, which asked groups and communities in the county to bid for what funding they need, actually made sure the money was going to where it was needed the most, and more quickly.
These Grants have been used on inspirational projects around Bucks, which include:
- Providing rest and relaxation for NHS frontline staff
- Developing market gardens from scratch to grow food to give to families
- Providing a lifeline to coronavirus help pop-up groups, food banks and emergency support groups
- Helping people who were previously homeless find accommodation at an affordable rent to create space in hostels for rough sleepers
The Council also worked in partnership with a number of organisations including the Strategic Funding Group (Heart of Bucks, Rothschild Foundation, Clare Foundation, LEAP and the National Lottery) who have helped bring in further funding for Buckinghamshire. This unique partnership approach has resulted in approximately £3m of additional funding being spent in Buckinghamshire.
Cllr Paul Irwin, Leader of the Select Committee Inquiry Group - the group who recognised the council's success said:
"Buckinghamshire Council has been unique in relation to the provision of Covid-19 grants. Not only has their approach allowed the grants to be rolled out quickly and with the minimum of red tape, but they have also ensured that funding was used where it was needed the most for residents.
"In addition, and now more than ever, local communities need residents to help support others in the provision of food, mental health assistance and reducing loneliness. And having seen the great volunteer work that has taken place during the pandemic, the Inquiry Group plan to thank those people who helped by having a one-minute clap during the Council's April meeting."
Chesham and Amersham Conservatives and Lib Dems told to stop printing fake newspapers
Police ‘aware’ of Chesham car fraudsters targeting innocent families
New Aylesbury town Mayor formerly declared at Mayor Making Ceremony
Busy Aylesbury Road closed this weekend
Council invests £500,000 in flood prevention
Bucks healthcare supplier suffers cyber-attack
Aylesbury gym suddenly closes
Image released following affray in High Wycombe
