More Money for local projects
Derwentside District Councillors voted tonight in favour of setting up a “community initiative fund” to be allocated on a ward by ward basis, and with the aim of enhancing the physical fabric of the community. It is intended to average out at £20,000 per councillor across the district and will be worth £1.25 million overall.
Whilst very welcome, I expressed one concern. If the rule “only one project per ward” is applied strictly it may result in sensible smaller projects being missed and “grandiose schemes” being preferred to use up the allocation.
As I pointed out, it’s not very logical that a £20,000 project will be perfectly aceptable in Consett East because that ward only has one councillor, whereas on the other side of Sherburn Terrace in Consett North we’ll have to spend £60,000 at a go because we are a three member ward!
Further details will be produced in a second report and I’ll keep you informed of what comes out of it.
In the meantime you may have some thoughts on the issue. Please let me have them.
One final aside. As the rules stand all three councillors will have to agree on just one project. Now that really will be a test of coalition government!
have your say
