ENGLAND'S market towns are to benefit from a £9.5m empowerment fund.

The Action for Market Towns group is among 21 third sector beneficiaries working to give people more say in their local communities.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced recipients of the funding on Wednesday (1 April).

The empowerment fund aims to deliver on the key themes of the government's Communities in Control White paper.

It hopes to ensure more residents become active in their local community while promoting better access to information and encouraging people to stand for office.

Ms Blears said: "Charities, community groups and social enterprises can offer people real opportunities to get involved in the areas they live and a say in things that matter to them.

The fund would provide real help on the ground, supporting the innovative work third sector organisations were  doing for the benefit of communities and local people.

Plans for an empowerment fund were first announced by the government in July 2008.

It provides three-year grants of either £250,000 or £500,000.

Ministers believe the security of a three-year fund enables organisations to plan ahead with confidence.

Grant recipients are expected to show how they make effective use of the financial assistance to expand their work.

The closing date for applications was 6 January 2009.

More than 150 applications were received from a broad spectrum of applicants.

Details about the selection process can be found in an evaluation strategy on the Communities and Local Government website.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form