THERE will be £144,000 up for grabs in the first round of New Homes Bonus (NHB) funding after Bromsgrove District Council agreed the amount at its latest meeting.
The Government introduced NHB across the country in 2011 to financially reward local authorities so facilities could be funded in areas where new housing was being built.
When the population increases there is more demand for services in the area and NHB is aimed at addressing that greater need.
The cash was going to be used by Bromsgrove District Council as part of its general budget but after a petition by Hagley Residents Action Group the authority changed its policy in 2014 and the latest allocation, some £600,000, has now been made available to communities across the district.
Areas such as Alvechurch, Avoncroft, Barnt Green, Catshill, Hagley, Rubery and Wythall have benefited from the scheme previously as local community groups have submitted successful bids for the cash available.
Coun Steve Colella, who represents Hagley West, said: “The New Homes Bonus Scheme is now very well established and has always attracted a wide variety of bids.
“Year after year it has proved very popular and is repeatedly over-subscribed.
“I know that in previous years it has brought great benefits to communities across the district through so many projects.
“I would encourage local groups to once again get their thinking caps on to bid for this year’s money.”
Email [email protected] for more information and how to apply.
