COMMUNITY projects are being encouraged to put forward new ideas to access a ‘pot of money’.

The Communities Together Fund (formerly Town and Parish/TAP Fund) is managed in West Devon by West Devon Borough Council. It is allocated according to the number of electors on the electoral roll with the borough council contributing 10p per elector to the fund — and Devon County Council contributing one pound per elector.

The fund is intended to support new ideas and to help communities work together on projects that enhance and make a difference to residents. Previously, the TAP Fund has supported a range of valuable projects over the last few years, including Devon Air Ambulance night landing sites, the provision of life-saving defibrillators, and various public space improvements.

Devon’s district, borough and county councils reviewed the criteria for the fund and would like more collaboration between communities, whether they are projects led by voluntary and community groups, or town and parish councils.

Leader of West Devon Borough Council, Councillor Philip Sanders, said: ‘Through the Communities Together Fund, new ideas can be supported and I want to encourage communities to work together and to put forward new ideas to access this pot of money.’

The Leader of Devon County Council, Councillor John Hart, said: ‘Through this fund, we’re encouraging local communities to identify projects that will make a real and positive difference to their local area. It’s great to see the successful projects that have already taken place thanks to this initiative, and we hope others take advantage of the scheme.’

For more information visit the Community Grants and Funding page https://westdevon.gov.uk/article/3687/Communities