John Lamont MP is encouraging local community groups to submit bids to the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
Mr Lamont is eager for organisations across the Borders to apply for this funding which has opened for a second round, worth £150 million.
The fund offers community groups support to take control of pubs, music venues, sports facilities, historic buildings, and other facilities for public benefit.
The UK Government has extended the criteria in the second round of funding, generating opportunities for an increased number of Borders groups. For instance, the requirement for assets to have been used within the last five years has been removed. The minimum applicant lease of 25 years has also reduced to 15 years.
Groups in Scotland benefited from £1.2 million from this UK Government fund in the first round, and Mr Lamont is promoting this opportunity to ensure that the Borders benefits from the second round.
John Lamont MP said:
“I welcome the second round of funding of this fantastic initiative by the UK Government. This is an exciting opportunity for Borders communities and offers the potential to protect facilities which might otherwise be lost forever.
“With the criteria for this fund extended in the second round, I hope that community groups can come together and bid to protect local assets at risk.
“Successful bids will make an important contribution to the quality of life in our local communities and the Borders’ economic development.
“The Community Ownership Fund is just one example of the UK Government’s commitment to invest in and support Borders communities.”