LMIS money can be used for a variety of purposes, as long as it benefits the community

Don't miss cash fund deadline, good causes urged

Residents in Stafford and some parts of the Moorlands have just a few weeks to apply for money from Staffordshire County Council's good-cause cash fund.

Community groups and organisations have until Friday August 22 to submit their applications for a slice of the cash available from the Local Member Initiative Scheme.

Stafford county councillors Robert Simpson, Jack Barber, Maureen Compton and Mike Poulter, and Caverswall county councillor Bill Day and Biddulph county councillors Christina Jebb and Madelaine Lovatt, have each been allocated £10,000 to spend on local good causes and community projects in their area.

Deputy Leader of the council and county councillor for the Stafford North ward, Robert Simpson, said: "If you're looking for money to help start or support your community project or initiative, now is the time to put pen to paper," he said. "We've already had a good number of applications, but we don't want anyone to miss out.

If you belong to a community group or organisation and need money to continue a project, or kick-start a new one, then this is the fund for you."

And the community will have their say on how the money is spent in their area this year.

"In October," continues Christina, "we'll be asking everyone in our divisions to vote for who they want to get a slice of the cash. So it's not just the county councillors making the decision - it's the community."

"We need to get applications in now so that we can give everyone the opportunity to vote and personally make a contribution to where they live," said Bill. "This is real community empowerment that will help to pull our communities together."

The application process is quick and easy, but full support will be given to anyone who needs a helping hand filling-in the forms.

The suggested amount of money community groups should apply for is from £100 to £1500.  More money may be applied for in exceptional circumstances after consultation with the relevant county councillor.

More information and application forms are available from the county councillors, or the Local Member Initiative Scheme area. You can also find out how to contact your county councillor by going to the My county councillor area.

Application forms are also available in Stafford at Stafford's Shire Hall Library and the county council receptions at County Buildings and St. Chad's Place.

In the Biddulph division, applications are available in Biddulph Councils Connect, and the Parish Council Clerks at Bagnall, Endon and Brown Edge.