This covers the guidelines for any payments made under Section 137, of the Local Government Act 1972.
Section 137, of the Local Government Act 1972, allows the Parish Council to spend a limited amount on activities for which it has no specific power. But which the Authority considers, 'will bring direct benefit to the area, or any part of it, or all of it, or just some of its inhabitants'. The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, added the requirement that the benefit obtained should be commensurate with the expenditure incurred.
The Parish Council consider the award of Grants' each year, during the May General Meeting. The parameters which Sandleheath Parish Council will consider in making such payments, are as follows: -
The Parish Council will consider applications for S137 Grants only if it believes that such a Grant would benefit the Parish, or any part of it, or all of it, or just some of its inhabitants.
Any community/voluntary/charitable organisation may apply to the Parish Council for a Section S137 Grant.
Grants made under S137 will normally be between £50 and £500 to any one organisation in any financial year.
Any Grant payments made, are subject to the normal budgetary constraints of the Parish Council.
Grant applications should be made in writing in a form specified by the Parish Council.
Grant payments will be made at the absolute discretion of the Parish Council.
This process will be publicised by the Parish Council to the Sandleheath community.
Applications and the decision made by the Parish Council, will be recorded in the Parish Council Minutes which will be available for public inspection.
The necessary form to apply for a grant can be downloaded below. Only applications made on this form, will be considered.
The 2024 'Closing Date' for S137 Grants, is 31st October 2024, and the Parish Council General Meeting to discuss any Grant requests received, is on 14th November 2024.
