Community Buildings Energy Support Fund
Community buildings struggling with soaring utility bills are in line for cash support from Richmondshire District Council.
Councillors have this week (6 December 2022) approved the launch of a Community Buildings Energy Support Fund to offer up to £3,000 to voluntary and community organisations.
They have set aside £99,000 to help groups get through the cost of living crisis being faced this winter. It will not cover the full costs of utility bills and there must be a significant increase in costs as a result of a change in contracts since April this year.
The fund comes on top of a scheme to create a series of warm spaces across the district to help vulnerable and elderly people through the cost of living crisis. That £71,000 scheme will help community groups develop a warm spaces network in community venues, village halls, social clubs and places of worship that can provide a place where people can be together and keep warm. Each venue will be added to an online directory for the county.
“We want to do all we can to support our residents through the cost of living crisis and the health risks that poses during the winter,” said Council Leader, Councillor Angie Dale.
“By helping the local village halls and community venues we can make sure they stay open to provide warm and welcoming places for people struggling to heat their homes.”
Groups wishing to apply to these funds should email grants@richmondshire.gov.uk