CaHS Community Funding January 2026 final lm
Renfrewshire Council · 13 January 2026
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 13 January 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: 13th January 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 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. The application process for both funds was subsequently relaunched and all applications are now considered in line with the refreshed guidance and processes. 1.3 Recommendations relating to applications under assessment are set out in sections 4 and 5 for Elected Member consideration and summarised within Appendix 1 of this report. 1.4 Appendix 2 of the report provides an overview of progress that has been achieved in relation to several projects which have received funding through the Sustainable Communities Fund. 1.5 Regular reports in relation to community funding applications will continue to be developed and submitted to the board for consideration.
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OFFICIAL 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that members of the Board: Approve the recommendations detailed in Section 5 and summarised in Appendix 1 of this report, in relation to applications received to the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund. Note the Sustainable Communities Fund progress report attached at Appendix 2. 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. 3.2 On 19 February 2025, revised guidance for both the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund was approved by the Leadership Board, and the funds were then reopened for applications, following the temporary pause that was introduced whilst the guidance was being reviewed. 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.
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OFFICIAL 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 November 2025 to assess applications to the Sustainable Communities Fund against the refreshed guidance. In summary, the panel recommends that three applications are deferred to allow for further development of proposals alongside applicants: Ferguslie Development Trust for the refurbishment of the St Ninian’s Church Hall. Renfrew Development Trust to develop a Business Plan for the Community Asset Transfer of Longcroft Cottages, Renfrew. Paisley West and Central Community Council for a feasibility study and community engagement activity to support the development of a community garden on Lady Lane, Paisley. 4.4 The Sustainable Communities Fund currently has £295,466 of funding available for future allocation (£103,384 capital and £192,082 revenue). A small number of applications are in the pipeline for review by the officer panel, and recommendations will be brought to board as we move forward. 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 5.3 One application was considered by the officer panel since the last Board in October 2025. In summary, the panel recommends the following:
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OFFICIAL Approve an award of £19,236.89 to RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve to Enhance a Visitor Seating and Experience Zone For over 45 years, the wooden Visitor Centre at the RSPB reserve has provided a welcome entry point for guests and volunteers. In July 2025, the structure was condemned due to extensive rot and is scheduled for imminent demolition. To maintain a presence on site, RSPB has installed a modular building at the nature reserve entrance, providing a small shop and reception area. Adjacent to this, visitors can currently make use of outdoor café-style tables and chairs, offering a space to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and engage with volunteers. To enhance visitor experience, RSPB proposes to install a 13ft wooden gazebo beside the seating area. This structure would provide sheltered space with picnic benches, creating an all-weather area for volunteers and visitors to rest, learn, and connect. The requested funding would support the installation of the gazebo, along with the creation of a Whindust path, fencing, and materials for a viewing platform. The platform will offer an improved vantage point for observing the abundant wildlife across the reserve, further enriching the visitor experience. RSPB have further secured external funding for extensive works across the reserve, funding from Changing Places facilitated the installation of onsite sanitary facilities, the Scottish Landfill Fund have funded a new hide along one of the onsite trails, the Nature Restoration Fund was relied on to restore wetland habitat, and Waitrose have provided materials for a new boardwalk reaching out into the Loch. Further smaller funds from the Postcode Lottery, Gareloch Connections and the National Lottery have also offered additional, appropriate structures to the site. RSPB secured £48,000 from the Sustainable Communities Fund in January this year which enabled the installation of an on-site, solar-powered workshop. The workshop is appreciated by the 100+ volunteers who now have an area to store tools and research materials which facilitates building structures for the reserve, carrying out repairs, as well as researching wildlife care and biodiversity. The charity further received £15,000 from the Villages Investment Fund in May, which enabled the installation of a new raised pond, facilitating the long-standing offer of pond-dipping, enhanced with modern audio and visual devices to maximise user experience. 5.4 £170,505 remains available to support future applications made through the Villages Investment Fund, which is broadly split 60% capital 40%
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OFFICIAL revenue. This does not include the recommendations detailed within this report. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – In line with the recommendations of the report, it is proposed that £19,236.89 of funding from the Villages Investment Fund is allocated to RSPB Lochwinnoch. 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. 4. Legal - none. 5. Property/Assets – there are a number of applicants to these funds 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, for example in this round there are recommended awards to support disabled access and facilities in community venues, dedicated projects for older people, as well as a number of projects seeking to address poverty and socio- economic disadvantage faced within some local 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. 14. COSLA Policy Position – none. Appendix 1: Summary of applications with Officers recommendations
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OFFICIAL ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: Sustainable Communities Fund Guidance Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships
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OFFICIAL Appendix 1– Village Investment Fund APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR AWARD Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Applicatio n Amount Recommended Award Comments RSPB RSPB – Enhanced Seating and Experience Zone After the existing Visitor Centre was required to close due to condition, RSPB seek to maintain the comfort traditionally offered at the site by installing a covered wooden gazebo eating and resting area for their guests. The gazebo will compliment an outdoor café area currently onsite, offering visitors protection from the weather and a place to relax and connect with one another. The area will further be enhanced with a Whindust path leading to a viewing platform, and a fence separating the path from the eating zone. Large £19,236.89 (£13,820.49 capital £5,416.40 revenue) £19,236.89 Planning permission was required to approve the installation of the gazebo structure, however this was secured on 18 December 2025.
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OFFICIAL Appendix 2: Sustainable Communities Fund Progress Report, October 2025 1. Summary 1.1 This report updates the Communities and Housing Policy Board on progress made by community groups and organisations in receipt of funding from the Sustainable Communities Fund. It provides updates for the Board on projects awarded in round 1 and 2 of the fund. The report will focus on 2 groups which received a large award from the fund, Finding your Feet and The Western Desert Recce Group (WDRG) and 1 group which received a medium award, Thorn Athletic. 1.2 The key objective of the Sustainable Communities Fund is to strengthen work within communities to identify opportunities for land and assets within local areas to develop local projects which benefit those who live there – connecting people through regenerated local spaces and tackling inequality through community collaboration. 1.3 The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Communities and Place portion of the Sustainable Communities Fund is made up of a clear split between capital and revenue funding; and has set amounts allocated over financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25 and was allocated within these guidelines. 2. Progress of successful projects 2.1 Western Desert Recce Group (WDRG) – Large Award (£125,000) Purpose: Funding was awarded to support critical works to secure the structural integrity of the historic Whitehaugh Barracks, addressing severe water penetration. Project Scope and Costs: The total project cost is £240,300, comprising £186,039 in capital and £54,261 in revenue funding. Key elements include making the main building wind- and watertight, repairs to garage structures, professional surveys, legal fees, and project management. Project themes: In their original application WDRG stated they would meet the following criteria: Community capacity building Community wealth building
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OFFICIAL Place-based investments to improve community spaces. Progress to Date: Approximately £83,000 of the awarded funds have been spent to date, primarily on garage works and roof repairs. Due to the complexity of the project, the group is pursuing additional funding from other sources. Completion is anticipated by end of 2025. A site visit conducted in early September 2025 provided valuable insight into the progress made to date, which includes the restoration of stonework renewal (which was crumbling and splitting) including the older part of the building front replacement of render, gutters, pointing, securing of loose brickwork etc – some of this work is still ongoing. Work has been completed on making the main building (old part) roof watertight, this is also ongoing work, but to date has included replacing 5 joists and roof trusses, sarking boards, waterproof membrane and 270 slates. Extensive work has been completed on fixing internal rot from water ingress to make sure walls and woodwork is serviceable. The group has successfully removed a tree that had been growing within the upper section of the building, implemented a temporary roof seal to prevent further water ingress, and have installed a funnel system to manage rainwater. Additionally, the external walls have been newly roughcast and painted, significantly enhancing the building’s appearance. The surrounding yards have also been cleared and improved, contributing to a more inviting and maintained environment. In addition to efforts to improve the building’s visibility and community presence, the group engaged a local artist to create a mural on one of the external walls. New signage has also been installed, which not only makes the building more easily identifiable but also aligns with the group's branding and public image.
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OFFICIAL The group have been successful in receiving an award for their reconstruction of the inside of a military vehicle this year and have received support from other community groups. Apart from their regular WW2 talks that WDRG deliver on site, they have supported various events in and around Paisley, one being the VE Day celebration at Johnstone Day Centre in May. More recently They attended the Crookston Castle open day, 71 Engineer Army Reserve family day and provided displays and artefacts for their recent Anzio Dinner night. There are a whole host of similar interactions, and they receive positive community support and help around the barracks. They have also carried out three school talks, two at Williamsburgh Primary and another at Hawkhead, there are more planned in coming session. Highly recommend going to a WW2 talk at the barracks, it was interesting and informative. Pete was funny too, adding to the great event, thanks for a wonderful evening – Paisley Heritage Member Local people have been dropping in and donating various items of historical interest, unwanted tools, equipment, tools and artefacts. WDRG received a donation from a member of the Paisley Men’s Shed, a local who had all his father’s uniform and web equipment, about 800 scale military models, and WDRG will use these on a rotating display. The group even had someone recently donate a rare Chinese jeep (1960/70 era) that they plan to restore.
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OFFICIAL The remaining funds will be used for under floor structural joist replacement, gutter lining on main hall gutters, front entrance and internal hall painting along with other smaller tasks. The group have used some of their reserve funding/savings to ensure they can progress this last portion of work. 2.2 Finding Your Feet (FYF) - Large Award (£92,245) - Round 2 Purpose: Finding Your Feet reclaimed a piece of derelict land behind their premises in St James Street, Paisley. Funding was awarded to enhance the garden space, improve the habitat for wildlife and overcome identified access barriers, ensuring the community garden was fully accessible to as wide a range of users as possible. Project Scope and Costs: The total project cost is £131,309, comprising £87,245 in capital and £44,064 in revenue funding. Key elements include a complete garden refurbishment to create a den for young people and a wellness space for use by all tenants within the building. Staff costs for managing the refurbishment are also included in the overall costs. Project themes: In their original application Finding Your Feet stated they would meet the following criteria. New or improved facilities in the community Support, training or capacity building for local activities or events Progress to date: The group has completed the project, and their original objectives have been successfully met using the resources provided by the SCF Fund. A key achievement has been the completion of the garden’s path and groundwork. The installation of gravel and paving stones has significantly improved accessibility and enhanced the overall aesthetic of the space, creating a cohesive and continuous flow throughout the garden. The addition of a large patio is enabling the hosting of events and facilitating the creation of distinct zones within the space. The remodelling includes a newly seeded wildflower lawn, designated as a wellbeing and pollinator greenspace. This area features a winding path and trellis wall, contributing to both ecological value and user wellbeing.
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OFFICIAL Security enhancements have also been delivered within budget, including the extension and upgrade of CCTV coverage, improved outdoor lighting, and the installation of a dedicated garden fuse box to reduce excess cabling. Outdoor Wi-Fi has been installed to support summer working arrangements, and power sockets have been fitted into each accessible arch, ensuring electrical access throughout the garden. Garden Redevelopment & Community Engagement A key success of the garden redevelopment has been the groups collaboration with Ruff Draft, a local street art social enterprise. Their comprehensive redecoration of the railway bridge bordering the garden has not only enhanced the space visually but also provided a valuable platform for emerging artists. This partnership has sparked interest from several in-house charities keen to explore mural and spray-painting workshops for their service users, with the garden now positioned as an ideal venue for such community-led activities. The garden’s new accessible pathways have significantly benefited the weekly amputee fitness sessions, supporting Finding Your Feet’s focus on physical wellbeing. The outdoor space allows for more expansive and inclusive programming, no longer limited by indoor constraints.
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OFFICIAL "The amount of time and consideration taken to personalise it to amputees shows." -Carol Trench, Trooper, Finding Your Feet Volunteer engagement has also flourished, with local people and service users from the range of tenants within the hub contributing their skills to tangible outcomes. Also, vegetable and herb planting is well established, offering fresh produce for distribution. FYF are encouraging tenants with raised beds to re-engage with these spaces, now that the garden is more accessible and welcoming for community growing initiatives. Plans are in place to partner with the Wellbeing team to deliver woodworking sessions for service users (“Troopers”), enabling them to construct bird boxes, insect hotels, and habitats for bees and hedgehogs. This initiative is designed to foster ownership, engagement, and environmental stewardship among participants. St James’ Hub Network Engagement & Garden Use The redevelopment of the garden has enabled meaningful engagement across the organisations diverse Hub network, which includes charities supporting carers, families, children, young people, care-experienced individuals, and those undergoing rehabilitation, alongside therapists and their own amputee group, the Troopers. These groups were actively consulted during the planning phase, ensuring the space reflects their needs and aspirations.
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OFFICIAL “The families really loved having some open space to explore & enjoy. They particularly enjoyed: Going on the swings Watering the plants Just exploring around the garden Having space to run around Finding and re-hiding the painted stones Seeing the trains go by Chasing bubbles Water play Some of our families live in flats and do not have any easy access to an outdoor space - so it is particularly beneficial to them. We also all enjoyed not getting way too hot inside on sunny days!!” -Wendy MacDonald, Homestart Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Post-development, the garden has become a vibrant connector across the organisations tenant and visitor community. CREATE Paisley has made extensive use of the space for family sessions and arts activities, culminating in a youth art exhibition and a bespoke mosaic tabletop installation. Other youth-focused organisations, including Action for Children and Who Cares, have also utilised the garden for social events such as barbecues and outdoor games, providing a safe and welcoming breakout space for young people. "The garden has allowed us to add another strand of creativity to our sessions, exploring new activities and connections to our community. The response from children, young people, families and staff team has been brilliant. We delivered our full Easter Programme in the space with groups creating 2 beautiful murals that will be installed in the summer. Having a safe, calm, and relaxing space for sessions, meetings, breaks and wellbeing is fantastic." -Sam Roberts, Create Paisley 2.3 Thorn Athletic Community Trust- Intermediate Award (£24,840.00) Purpose: The principal aims of the project were to create a business plan, options appraisal and feasibility to RIBA 1 on how to create the most appropriate facilities and projects to meet local needs. Project Scope and Costs: The total cost of the project was £26,640. The approved funding was intended to support the Trust to create the most appropriate facilities and projects to meet local needs.
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OFFICIAL Project Themes: In their original application Thorn Athletic stated they would meet the following criteria: o Community capacity building o Place-based investments to improve community spaces. Progress to Date: The Trust secured professional support to help develop a comprehensive business plan and conduct design studies for their future development ambitions. This was made possible through SCF grant funding, which also enabled successful applications to Renfrewshire Council’s Artificial Pitches Fund (£390k) the Scottish Football Association’s Facilities Fund (£442,194k) and the Scottish Football Partnership Fund (£40k) As a result, their proposal to install a floodlit artificial pitch has advanced to the next stage and is now undergoing a formal planning application and tender process. The proposed site plans show the layout for the new pitches and the phasing of the works. The group have also planned to build a pavilion building with additional toilets, changing facilities and medical room; a covered spectator stand; and five aside pitches for training in the future. Thorn Athletic Community Trust Chairman Mark McGee said: "The Sustainable Communities Fund was the catalyst for our project development plans to get off the ground. It was an enabler for us to engage with professional consultants and architects allowing us to bring the vision to life, create a business plan and complete funding bids. "These bids were ultimately successful in bringing significant external funding to Renfrewshire which we hope will lead to the delivery of a multi-million-pound facility within our community over the next three to five years. We believe our experience with SCF support is a good example of what can be achieved with the belief and support of the local authority."