WYCHAVON District Council has agreed a new plan for how it spends its New Homes Bonus (NHB) cash, writes Tom Banner.
The authority, at its latest meeting, decided to allocate £3.5million of central government funding for communities where development was taking place and give parishes the opportunity to put forward ideas of what to do with it.
Parishes have so far shared over £1.4million of this on village hall improvements, speeding signs, play areas, defibrillators and outdoor table tennis tables to name but a few.
Wychavon District Council leader Coun Linda Robinson said it was great news for communities.
“We are in a fortunate position as unlike other councils we do not need to use this money to pay for day-to-day services.
“This funding is available for investment in the district and we should, therefore, be ambitious as this is a one-off opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of those who live, work in and visit our district.”
In addition, Wychavon retained around £9.5million of its NHB and spent it on projects such as affordable housing, regeneration schemes, grants, leisure facility improvements, the Worcester Six Business Park and flood prevention schemes.
At the meeting a new plan was agreed on to use the funds to inspire more community projects, they also anticipate receiving a further £16million in NHB payments from the government.
The new scheme will secure £12million for council-led projects including a new housing company, the strategic land investment fund, railway station car parking improvements and improved leisure facilities.
There will also be up to £3million spent on a brand new Community Legacy Grant scheme which parish and town councils can bid for.
New Homes Bonus, introduced in 2011, is based on the amount of extra council tax revenue raised for new-build homes, conversions and long-term empty homes being brought back into use. Extra payments are given for affordable homes.
Go to https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/newhomesbonus for more on Wychavon’s New Homes Bonus scheme.
