Budget - 2008/9
We must be doing something right - the Council has this year increased our budget from £10,000 for all four wards to £10,000 per ward, with another £5,000 which can be spread across the whole area - a total of £45,000 for Walthamstow West.
However, with the increased budget come stricter controls. There are separate procedures for residents and for organised groups, and this is my understanding of what is required.
Residents who have a suggestion for a suitable project should come to the June meeting, and join a workshop with fellow residents and their Ward Councillors, who will lead discussion and help complete the necessary forms. If you've missed the meeting you can download the relevant form here but for the best chance of success do consider contacting your Councillor who can help you avoid potential pitfalls. These forms must be submitted (via the Community Council office) by June 23rd.
Groups can apply for funding for projects which will benefit residents of the ward or CC area, but will be expected to comply with a number of conditions. These include having a written constitution or terms-of-reference, and a suitable bank account. You can find out more about the requirements, and download an application form (both Word documents) on the Council's website. These forms must be submitted by August 4th. Note that groups in the process of formation may apply for a small amount of funding to help them reach the necessary status to apply for project funding in a later year.
These are new procedures, and they are meant to apply appropriate controls to the disposal of public money (your money!) without preventing worthwhile projects from succeeding. It's envisaged that rules and procedures will evolve with experience, and if you have questions or problems do contact the Community Council Team, who will do everything they can to help.
To be updated for 2009/10