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GRANT FUNDING

Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972, Chickerell Town Council has discretionary powers to award grants to local groups or organisations for “purposes, which may bring a direct benefit to the area or any part of it for some or all the inhabitants”. 

To be considered for a donation, applicants must make a written application to the Town Council and provide necessary details as requested.  Currently, the Council set a small budget for S137 donations for each financial year (April-March)  in line section 137(4)(a) of the Local Government Act 1972 for parish and town councils in England.

Policy

The Council will use the criteria set by Department for Communities and Local Government Act to determine the maximum amount that can be made available.  The Council will follow the following policy:

  1. Applications for grants can be made anytime of the year.
  2. Applications will only be considered on receipt of a completed application form.
  3. The Council reserves the right to grant limits in line with budget requirements and or expenditure it maybe required to make.
  4. All applicants will be notified regardless of application outcome.
  5. Successful applications will be recorded in the Council meeting minutes.
  6. Grants will be paid by BACS into the organisations account.
  7. Grants must be spent within the current tax year.

Section 137 Expenditure

Under Section 137, expenses that may be incurred by a town council include, but are not limited to:

✅ Donations to Charities: A council might decide to make a donation to a local charity that provides services benefiting the local community.

✅ Grants for Local Clubs: Supporting local youth clubs, senior citizen clubs, or other community groups that offer beneficial services or activities to residents.

✅ Awards and Prizes: For local competitions, perhaps to encourage community spirit, art, or environmental awareness.

‍Examples where Section 137 cannot be used.

❌ Unrestricted Specific Statutory Power: Where the Council has a specific power to spend, that is not restricted.

❌ Statutory Prohibition: Where there is a statutory prohibition on the Council carrying out a particular function.

❌ Benefit of One: S137 cannot be used to benefit a single individual. You can however, provide a donation to a charity of which the individual belongs, as the benefit will be to “some” of the community.