Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Community Ownership Fund

Monday 10 July 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The community ownership fund has awarded 36.8 million to 150 projects across the UK.
  • The Minister agrees the fund has huge potential for community organisations in Clwyd South and the UK.
  • The Minister will consider meeting the hon. Member to discuss the Udney Park Community Fields Foundation application.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Simon Baynes
Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

The community ownership fund aims to allocate funds for the preservation of local assets and amenities. There is interest in how effectively these funds are being allocated.

Question

What progress has been made on allocating funds through the community ownership fund? The community ownership fund provides significant potential for organisations across the UK to secure funding for critical assets, including those at risk in Clwyd South.

Answer from Felicity Buchan

The community ownership fund has awarded £36.8 million to 150 projects across the UK, including £25.5 million in England, £5.2 million in Scotland, £3.2 million in Wales and £3 million in Northern Ireland. Positive changes include extending maximum funding from £250,000 to £1 million, reducing match funding requirements, and allowing applications from parish councils.

Answered
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Q2 Simon Baynes
Local Government
Context

Recent changes to the community ownership fund were announced, which could significantly impact potential applicants. The question seeks clarification on these changes and their implications.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the community ownership fund provides tremendous potential for community organisations in Clwyd South and elsewhere to take ownership of assets at risk? Positive changes to the bidding round have been announced on May 12, including extending maximum funding from £250,000 to £1 million.

Answer from Felicity Buchan

I agree that the community ownership fund has huge potential in Clwyd South and across the UK. Changes include extending maximum funding from £250,000 to £1 million, reducing match funding requirements, and allowing applications from parish councils. The current bidding round window 1 will close on July 12.

Answered
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Q3 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Community Security
Context

The Udney Park Community Fields Foundation is working to bring back community use of the playing fields and pavilion in Teddington and Twickenham. The site has deteriorated since being purchased by developers eight years ago.

Question

The community ownership fund could support the Udney Park Community Fields Foundation, which is striving to preserve Udney Park for local sports organisations. As the site goes back on the market, will the Minister look favourably on any application from the foundation?

Answer from Felicity Buchan

I cannot comment on individual bids, but the hon. Lady makes a compelling case and relevant Ministers are happy to meet her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister avoided commenting on the specific application due to rules against discussing individual cases.

How: I Cannot Comment On Individual Bids

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