Local & National Support
Parish Councils
The Building Works Loan enabled CFCS to crucially purchase the premises at the outset.
In summary, Parish Councils can contribute funds, by means of a grant, to a village shop but has to rely on the powers contained in section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 to do so. It also has the power to purchase property for a village shop/Post Office under section 124 of the Local Government Act 1972 which allows the acquisition of land (the term ‘land’ includes buildings or premises) by Parish Councils for the purposes of:
(a) any of their functions under this or any other public general Act, or
(b) the benefit, improvement or development of their area.
The Parish Council can purchase property by using reserves, funds raised in the community or by raising a loan. A loan must be sanctioned by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and is repayable over a maximum of 25 years. More information on lending can be found through your local authority: https://www.dmo.gov.uk/responsibilities/local-authority-lending
However, the Parish Council does not have the power to run a business so a separate entity, such as an Independent Provident Society or a Company Limited by Guarantee (e.g. Church Fenton Community Shop Limited) had to be formed to lease the property and run the shop and/or Post Office.
The Parish Council may be able to offer the property at a ‘peppercorn rent’ but this could only be done by way of a short tenancy (not exceeding 7 years) – not ideal for inclusion in a long-term Business Plan.
1. Parish Council
Make contact with your Parish Council members – their knowledge of local government will be helpful as well as their support with your plans for the community as a whole. Even better, ask one or more PC members to join your planning team at the outset!
2. District Council
As with your Parish Council, make contact with District Council members via email or telephone – they may be able to offer advice and the best way forward to apply for potential loans or grants. Some may even have dedicated community project links so you can see what is already available. Full details can be found here by simply entering your postcode.
National Support
Central Government Grant Funding
www.gov.uk/apply-funding-community-project
In 2020, CFCS enjoyed a 3rd year of successful trading – and what a year we all experienced! From March onwards, the whole world had to adjust to the devastating and unsettling effects of COVID-19. The UK Government Business Rates Relief Fund meant that CFCS received a grant of £10,000.00, and a further £1,000.00 for energy-saving equipment. Although these were exceptional times, it is important to always keep up to date on any central government policies that specifically support local community projects on a wider scale. Fortunately, there does not need to be a global pandemic for central government to offer support.
School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE)
An excellent resource for online courses, covering a multitude of social enterprise and community project needs, as well as FREE Webinars. They have a current grant fund of £18.7 million supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. Individual members of your steering team can also sign up for relatively low-cost courses specific to your needs.
Funding Central
This online database provides unique access to grants and social investment opportunities from local, national and international funding sources, all in one place. There’s up to date information on over £3 billion of active grants and over 70 social investment providers, all current and handpicked by researchers to be right for the community sector.
Funds Online
Run by the Directory of Social Change, this is a comprehensive list of funds available across the UK organised by sector / region / scope which would be a perfect starting point for any business at the beginning of its funding journey.
The Power to Change
www.powertochange.org.uk/get-support
An initiative that champions the development of sustainable community-led enterprises across England, by supporting individuals and organisations whose aim is to grow community businesses and revive local assets, protect the services people rely on, and address local needs.
UK Community Foundations
www.ukcommunityfoundations.org
Helping individuals, families, entrepreneurs, companies, charitable trusts and public sector bodies connect with, support, and invest in their local communities across the UK.
My Community
www.mycommunity.org.uk/funding
A resource offering good practical advice on community funding with hints and tips aimed to increase your chances of success.
Support is available at both national and local level; you just need to know where to look and who to ask (nicely!)
