“It is once again extremely pleasing to see so many local community groups and organisations applying for the grant funding available under the U.K. Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
Having spoken to Officers following the close of applications last Friday (12th May), I can confirm that a significant number of bids - 157 in total - have been received across the Lower, Medium and Higher Levels.
The total value of these bids, inclusive of any match funding, has been calculated at almost £12m.
Unfortunately, this total far outweighs the allocations that the Council has over the next two financial years, which will inevitably mean that many applicants will therefore not be successful.
In what is an unquestionably a highly competitive bidding process, Officers are now assessing the applications against the criteria and scoring measures, before those that have satisfied the objectives and aims of the Fund are presented before the panel for further consideration and determination.''