Life in Salford 32 • March 2021 9
Make it happen for Salford Crowdfund Salford is a new scheme to help local people turn great ideas into reality.
Get your project going
Finding funding to get a project off the ground is often a challenge, but Salford’s bright idea will help overcome that hurdle. If your project can get the first 25 per cent of funds it needs through crowdfunding, demonstrating that the city wants it to go ahead, City Mayor Paul Dennett could then offer to match half the original target up to a maximum of £10,000. So if you need £1,000 to launch your project you would need to crowdfund £250 or 25 per cent of the total cost of the project before being eligible to apply. If you succeed and your bid was approved Mayor Dennett would offer £500, half of the original target. That leaves you to crowdfund the remaining 25 per cent (£250). Once you achieve that he would then release the £500 to match the £500 you’ve raised. Projects can be led by individuals, community groups or voluntary or private sector organisations or social enterprises. Ideas must clearly show how they will benefit Salford, must meet one of the Great Eight priorities and have not had previous council funding. Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/greateight to see the priorities.
Cladding crisis work continues Residents of Salford’s 125 privately-owned high-rise blocks are being backed by Salford City Council in their bid to get the cladding crisis resolved. Most building owners or managing agents have plans in place for removing cladding and essential safety work – but 34 have yet to act. City Mayor Paul Dennett, who leads the Greater Manchester high-rise task force, said Salford City Council and its partners are working with building owners and agents to resolve the situation. Mayor Dennett said: “Many high-rise homeowners have been badly affected by the cladding issue including receiving large bills for interim fire safety measures and long-term work.
“Sales of high-rise apartments have been affected and people cannot move without the correct safety certificates. This needs to change and we are working hard to resolve it.” The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is administering the government’s £30 million Waking Watch Relief fund for leaseholders affected by excessive service charges. For details search greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk Leaseholders can also get free, independent, legal advice from The Leasehold Advisory Board www.lease-advice.org The government recently announced more help for building owners and leaseholders through the availability of grants and loans. This will come at a cost through a new levy and tax on developers to ensure the industry contributes. Please visit www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications and search for cladding.
National domestic abuse helpline - 24/7 0808 2000 247 www.salford.gov.uk/domesticabuse
