Proposals to increase grants scheme for community groups look set to get the green light in time for the coronation of King Charles III

Plans for a boost to Lancashire County Council's grants scheme which helps community groups look set to be approved to help people celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in May.

The council's generous local member grants scheme helps councillors support vital voluntary, community and faith sector groups across Lancashire.

Now the funds could be increased by hundreds of pounds as part of a one off move in time for the coronation, if the proposals get the green light at a meeting of the full council this week (February 9).

The grants, which can be used to fund projects from gardening to knit and natter groups to football, were a huge success after they were temporarily increased from £2,000 to £2,500 last year in the run up to the celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The grants meant that each county councillor had a budget of £2,500 to fund community, voluntary and faith projects for groups that applied in their area during the financial year of 2022/23.

The extra cash helped fund a host of exciting activities around the time of the

Queen's Platinum Jubilee, ranging from £595 for a street party organised by Briercliffe Festival to a family fun day at Catforth Village Memorial Hall.

Also among the inspirational recipients to benefit were Guru Nanak Gurdwara Cultural and Recreation Centre, which got £250 towards the cost of taking part in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch celebration in Avenham Park and Longton Victory Memorial Sports and Social Club which organised a community open day to mark the Platinum Jubilee and a club centenary event last June.

Now County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, has similarly asked to increase the local members' grants for this year by an additional £500 per member to assist community groups in celebrating the coronation of King Charles III in May.

Proposing the measure at the council's cabinet meeting on February 2, he said: "We all remember how successful Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations were last year, and if provision can be made within the budget for a similar one-off increase to members' grants, that will really help people celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in style."

Similarly, Cllr Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said afterwards: "The increased members' grants budgets will help grass roots organisations and community groups to fund their activities.

"This will take place in time for the coronation of King Charles III in May, and could help community, voluntary and faith groups to celebrate this once in a lifetime event.

"The coronation is something that we want communities across Lancashire to have the chance to celebrate.

"Increased member grants for this year will help fund vital grassroots activities and celebrations that make a tangible difference in communities across our region, with the extra budget helping these organisations with their valuable endeavours.

"The activities do not have to be based around the coronation, and you can find out how your organisation can apply for grants on our website."

For more information, visit the council's Local Member Grant web page or visit the following link - Local Member Grants Scheme - Lancashire County Council