CaHS Community Funding Aug Final
Renfrewshire Council · 18 August 2026
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 18 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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OFFICIAL ___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 18th August 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Funding Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 A report is submitted to the Communities and Housing Policy Board each cycle which sets out officer recommendations in relation to a number of specific community funding mechanisms including the Sustainable Communities Fund and the Villages Investment Fund. An officer panel meets on a monthly basis to assess applications received in advance of this report being submitted. 1.2 As Elected Members will be aware, the guidance for both the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund was updated in Winter 2024/25, and formally approved by the Leadership Board on 19 February 2025. Applications for both funds are considered in line with the refreshed guidance and processes. 1.3 Recommendations relating to these applications are set out in sections 4 and 5 for Elected Member consideration and summarised within Appendix 1 of this report. 1.4 Regular reports in relation to community funding applications will continue to be developed and submitted to the board for consideration. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that members of the Board:
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OFFICIAL • Approve the recommendations detailed in Section 4 & 5 and summarised in Appendix 1 of this report, in relation to applications received to the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund. 3. Background 3.1 To strengthen oversight of funding recommendations made in relation to a number of specific Council funding streams, the Policy and Partnerships service now submits a community funding paper to each cycle of the Communities and Housing Board. This includes recommendations from officers in relation to funding awards through the Greenspaces Fund, Villages Investment Fund and the Sustainable Communities Fund. This has been supported by the establishment and development of a cross-service officer panel which provides corporate oversight of grant applications in advance of making recommendations for elected members to consider. 4 Sustainable Communities Fund – Recommendations 4.1 The aim of the Sustainable Communities Fund is to support infrastructure and place-based projects across all areas of Renfrewshire which improve the lives of local people and build resilient communities. 4.2 In line with the revised guidance approved by the Leadership Board in February 2025, the Sustainable Communities Fund uses a tiered funding model to reflect different-sized community projects as well as the varying levels of support required at different stages of development as follows: Level of funding Overview Applications up to £9,999 Applications for both capital and revenue funding aimed at enabling small community projects to be undertaken, for example, the purchase of small pieces of equipment, community engagement initiatives, volunteer development programmes. Applications between £10,000 and £24,999 Applications for both capital and revenue funding focused primarily on costs to enhance community infrastructure, for example, feasibility studies, business/project plans for community asset transfer, and project management costs. Applications above £25,000 up to a max of £100,000 applications invited for capital costs only aimed at supporting communities that aspire to take ownership or redevelop land or buildings in their local communities. 4.3 A cross service officer panel met in June and July 2026 to assess applications against the refreshed guidance.
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OFFICIAL 4.4 One application is recommended for approval from this round of the Sustainable Communities Fund: Houston and Killellan Men’s Shed (£10,000) • This project aims to create a safe, warm and fully accessible purpose-built workshop and meeting space as the main hub of the Men’s Shed. Funding will allow for a feasibility study to be undertaken to identify the best options available to benefit the Shed and community. The space will be available year-round for members and other organisations to meet in a secure, welcoming environment. 4.5 Three applications have been recommended to be deferred to allow for further clarification and work to be carried out by officers. Further information on these applications is detailed in Appendix 1. • Erskine Arts - Inclusive Cultural Destination - Equipment and Stage Modernisation • Your Community, Your Space - Building Improvements – Electrical Works. • RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health) - Building Acquisition – Roofing and Fabric Surveys. 4.6 It is further recommended that one application is not awarded for KLAS Care CIC, and further information is detailed in Appendix 1. 4.7 The Sustainable Communities Fund currently has £234,806 of funding available for future allocation (£103,384 capital and £131,422 revenue). This does not include the recommendations within this report. 5. Villages Investment Fund 5.1 The Villages Investment Fund supports investment in infrastructure and place-based projects supporting and strengthening the identity, heritage, uniqueness and integrity of villages across Renfrewshire. Supported projects are required to demonstrate tangible outcomes for our communities. 5.2 In line with the guidance, projects should have a core focus on: • Making physical and environmental improvements to villages across Renfrewshire • Promoting sustainable community use of spaces across villages • Increasing levels of external funding being attracted into Renfrewshire to develop spaces and infrastructure across villages • Encouraging the development of new partnerships across villages
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OFFICIAL 5.3 One application is recommended for approval from this round of the Villages Investment Fund: Bridge of Weir Community Council (Partial award - £2,000) • Bridge of Weir Community Council is seeking support to improve physical signage in the village to raise awareness of the Community Council and increase opportunities for residents to engage in local decision-making. This includes replacement and clean-up of physical signage in several areas, as well as mobile signage such as pop banners for events. They are also seeking to establish a physical suggestion box system. • Funding was also sought for room hire costs to support community engagement events and the development of resident-led sub-groups to progress priorities identified within the Community Place Plan, helping to strengthen community participation and local leadership. This element was not considered to have met the criteria for the fund and as such a partial award has been recommended by the panel. 5.4 One application from Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust has been recommended to be deferred to allow for further clarification and work to be carried out by officers. It is further recommended that one application is not awarded for Houston Old School Trust. Further information on these applications is detailed in Appendix 2. 5.5 During this period, one application has been considered and awarded under Delegated Authority. This is an award of £800 to Lochwinnoch Sustainable Garden for the purchase of plants, soil and associated materials to support seasonal floral displays throughout the village. 5.6 The current balance of the Villages Investment Fund is £151,269, excluding the recommendations detailed within this report. Should the recommendations be approved, the available balance will reduce accordingly. The remaining budget is broadly split 60% capital funding and 40% revenue funding. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – The paper recommends that £2000 of funding is allocated from the Villages Investment Fund and £10,000 is allocated from the Sustainable Communities Fund. The paper notes £800 of funding from the Villages Investment Fund was allocated under delegated authority since the last update to board. 2. HR & Organisational Development – none. 3. Community/Council Planning – community funding supports engagement and collaboration with local communities on a range of activities which align with the new Council Plan 2022-2027; Our Renfrewshire Community Plan and/or Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero.
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OFFICIAL 4. Legal - none. 5. Property/Assets – there are a number of applicants to this fund seeking to pursue community asset transfers, and where there are relevant property or asset issues these are covered as part of discussions at the officer panel. 6. Information Technology – none. 7. Equality and Human Rights – the Recommendations included within this report are considered to have a positive impact on equality and human rights. The fund continues to attract applicants seeking to make community assets more accessible for communities. 8. Health and Safety – none. 9. Procurement – none. 10. Risk – none. 11. Privacy Impact – none. 12. Climate Risk – the Sustainable Communities Fund aligns with the themes within Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero and the delivery of relevant projects will assist the local response to the climate emergency. 13. Childrens Rights – while there are no specific children’s rights implications associated with the recommendations, there are applications in the pipeline which seek to widen opportunities for children and young people to actively participate within their communities. 15. COSLA Policy Position – none. Appendix 1: Summary of applications with Officers recommendations ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: Sustainable Communities Fund Guidance Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships
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OFFICIAL Appendix 1– Sustainable Communities Fund RECOMMENDATIONS TO APPROVE APPLICATIONS Organisation Purpose Tier Application Amount Recommendation Comments Houston & Killellan Men’s Shed This project aims to create a safe, warm and fully accessible purpose-built workshop and meeting space as the main hub of Shed and community organisations/activities. Funding will allow for a feasibility study to be undertaken to identify the best options available to benefit the Shed and community. The space will be available year-round for members and other organisations to meet in a secure, welcoming environment. This funding will pay for a structured feasibility study that gathers robust evidence, stakeholder insight and practical analysis to inform future development for not only the Men's Shed as well as the wider community. Key activities will include research, consultation with relevant partners and community groups, and assessment of potential delivery models, costs and benefits. Small £10,000 Approve Application was previously deferred to allow for further work with the organisation regarding ownership and lease arrangements for the proposed piece of land, which has now been satisfactorily concluded. RECOMMENDATIONS TO DEFER APPLICATIONS Organisation Purpose Tier Application Amount Recommendation Comments
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OFFICIAL Erskine Arts Inclusive Cultural Destination - Equipment and Stage Modernisation Modernising the PA system: sound equipment, monitors, AV, front-of-house system and mixing desk- and enlarging the stage. Erskine Arts aim to transform the Erskine Sports Centre venue into a key cultural destination by aligning with industry standards to ensure that audiences who face socioeconomic, geographic and support barriers to culture, can access the same high quality, life-enhancing experiences as their peers in other locales. Erskine Arts plan to use the upgraded venue to provide local young people with industry-facing volunteering, training and job opportunities through their new lottery-funded ‘Employment Pathways and Futures’ programme. Medium £35,820 Defer It is recommended that this application is deferred to allow officers to gather further information in relation to the project and the venue being developed. Your Community, Your Space Building Improvements – Electrical Works The project will make Beechwood Community Centre safe, compliant and fully operational. Phase 1 (SCF-funded) would deliver a full rewire, new switchgear and distribution boards, emergency lighting and fire-alarm compliance, and full testing. Phase 2 (externally funded) will install LED lighting and heating controls to reduce energy costs. YCYS will procure contractors competitively, manage works in phases to minimise disruption, and ensure all Large £86,975 Defer It is recommended this application is deferred to gather further information, including in relation to potential alternative funding streams.
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OFFICIAL installations meet BS 7671 standards. The result is a safe, modern and sustainable community facility. RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health) Building Acquisition – Roofing and Fabric Surveys RAMH currently occupies and delivers a range of community-based mental health services from 41 Blackstoun Road, Paisley. The current lease arrangement is due to expire in 2029. RAMH wishes to explore acquisition of the property from the Diocese of Paisley to secure the long-term future of mental health services from this location. The Diocese have requested that RAMH makes them a formal offer on the purchase. Recent building condition surveys have identified significant repair liabilities, particularly relating to the roof and external fabric. Before entering into acquisition negotiations, RAMH requires a comprehensive package of professional surveys to establish the building’s condition, future liabilities, market value and investment requirements including a Rot Infestation Survey, CCTV Drain Survey, Structural Survey and Structural Report. Medium £5,000 Defer It is recommended that this application is deferred to allow officers to gather further information in relation to the project RECOMMENDATIONS NOT TO AWARD APPLICATIONS Organisation Purpose Tier Application Amount Recommendation Comments KLAS Care CIC Feasibility Study - KLAS Care Neurodivergent Centre of Excellence (Johnstone) Small £5,500 Not to award It is recommended this application is not awarded
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OFFICIAL KLAS want to offer a safe community space for ASN children, to facilitate social inclusion and community cohesion, and to combat anti- social behaviour. The feasibility study will assess the viability, demand, sustainability and strategic positioning of the proposed service. The overall project will bring a centre of excellence that will provide a safe environment for stay and play, respite, family support programmes and parent workshops. Alongside this the centre will provide a welcoming space for the community to meet and organically grow this space in line with the community need. as it does not fit with the fund criteria, being largely focused on developing the feasibility of a service. The Panel recognise both the need and merits of this proposal and as such this application was previously deferred to allow for work on alternative funding sources. Planned follow up is now in place with social enterprise funding streams. Appendix 2: Villages Investment Fund RECOMMENDATIONS TO APPROVE APPLICATIONS Organisation Purpose Tier Application Amount Recommendation Comments Bridge of Weir Community Council Bridge of Weir Community Council is seeking support to improve physical signage in the village to raise awareness of the Community Council and increase opportunities for residents to engage in local decision-making. This includes replacement and clean-up of physical signage in several areas, as well as mobile signage such as pop banners for events. £3,800 £2,000 It is recommended this application is partially awarded for the work on signage locally. The amount awarded has been adjusted to remove the costs associated with room hire to support further Place Plan
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OFFICIAL They are also seeking to establish a physical suggestion box system. The funding will also support community engagement events and the development of resident-led sub-groups to progress priorities identified within the Community Place Plan, helping to strengthen community participation and local leadership. development, as this is not in line with the criteria of this fund. RECOMMENDATIONS TO DEFER APPLICATIONS Organisation Purpose Tier Application Amount Recommendation Comments Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust The Trust is seeking funding to purchase materials for the construction of new community planters within Lochwinnoch. The planters will be built by volunteers from Lochwinnoch Men's Shed and installed at key locations throughout the village. The project will enhance the appearance of public spaces, encourage community participation and strengthen collaborative working between local community organisations. £4,220 Defer application It is recommended this application is deferred to allow further exploration of potential alternative funding streams. RECOMMENDATIONS NOT TO AWARD APPLICATIONS Organisation Purpose Tier Application Amount Recommendation Comments
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OFFICIAL Houston Old School Trust (t/a Carrick Centre) In August 2025, the Trust secured a Villages Investment Fund award of £25,000 to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the Carrick Centre. The funding enabled the installation of secondary glazing to the ground floor, replacement window frames and roof insulation. These improvements have enhanced the comfort of the building for users, reduced heat loss and increased the appeal of the Centre as a community venue. The facility supports a wide range of community activity, including exercise classes, childcare provision, community meetings and local events. The Trust is now seeking support to complete the next phase of the improvement programme through the installation of secondary glazing to the upper-floor windows, additional radiators and a thermostat-controlled heating system. The proposed works will further improve energy efficiency, enhance user comfort and support the long-term sustainability of this important community asset. £17,948 Recommended not to award It is recommended this application is not awarded, as funding criteria requires additional sources of funding. It was further noted that the group have already had a significant award from the Villages Investment Fund to support improvements to the building. It is noted that while the group have been successful in gaining some small additional sources of funding and using their own resources, this may be further limited by the group’s current governance arrangements.
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OFFICIAL