5 - GRI CLLD Update - August 2025 E&R 25 08 25 - AM reviewed
Renfrewshire Council · 26 August 2025
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 26 August 2025 and its agenda
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Board On: 26 August 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an update on the completed delivery of the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme for 2024/25. 1.2 The report also outlines an increased allocation of funding from the Scottish Government and the proposed approach for delivery for 2025/26, which has been agreed with the Local Action Group (LAG) and partner local authorities, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, to meet CLLD requirements. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: a) Note the range and depth of rural based projects which were funded and successfully delivered during 2024/25. b) Note the updated offer from Scottish Government to award £233,225.25 to the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area for the delivery of the Community Led Local Development programme for 2025/26. This is an increase of £58,139 from the previous Board report in May 2025. 3. Background 3.1 The Scottish Government introduced the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Programme in 2023/24.
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The Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) programme covers the rural areas of Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, supporting community groups and organisations to deliver projects that provide local benefit and tackle challenges identified in the GRI LAG Community Led Vision (CLV). 3.2 A Local Action Group (LAG) comprising representatives from community council/groups, third sector, businesses, residents, the three local authorities and wider stakeholders develops the CLV actions and takes any funding decisions. 3.3 Roles and responsibilities are: • Scottish Government (Scottish Rural Network) are the Managing Authority and Paying Agency for the programme. • Renfrewshire Council act as Lead Partner and Accountable Body. • Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Councils are represented on the Local Action Group. ___________________________________________________________________ 4. CLLD Delivery 2024/25 4.1 Scottish Government provided initial funding of £150,347.89 to GRI LAG to deliver CLLD programme requirements to 31 March 2025. This was allocated as £81,797.29 (revenue) and £68,550.61 (capital). 4.2 Scottish Government then advised of an increased award in November 2024 which raised the allocation to £243,595.76. This was allocated as £175,045.15 (revenue) and £68,550.61 (capital). 4.3 GRI LAG initially decided to utilise the allocated funding through delivery of a Revenue Grants Scheme with funding of between £5,000 to £10,000 available for successful applicants. A Capital Grants Scheme was also available with funding of between £10,000 - £25,000 available for successful applicants. 4.4 When the second tranche of funding was advised, GRI LAG further decided to extend the opportunity for local organisations to access the Revenue Grants Scheme with funding of between £1,000 - £5,000 available for successful applicants. 4.5 Allocation of funds were agreed through a competitive application process. Eligibility to bid was open to any community led or business project which advances LAG and Scottish Government priorities and supports communities in the designated LAG areas. GRI LAG members, as well as Council officials from all three local authority areas, marketed the opportunities and liaised with a range of eligible local groups with a view to maximising expressions of interest, submissions and spend against available funds. Information was also made available on the GRI LAG website (www.grilag.com) 4.6 Forty (40) expressions of interest were received for GRI LAG support (22 from Tranche 1 and 18 from Tranche 2) and all were invited to submit a full application.
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• 26 applied for the small grants revenue scheme with 21 receiving funding. • 7 applied for the capital grants scheme with 4 receiving funding. • A list of all successful projects is noted at Appendix 1. 4.7 Unsuccessful applications were rejected for a combination of reasons, including: a lack of detail in applications; unclear targets and outcomes; insufficient beneficiary numbers; doubts on the logistics of the suggested approach and / or ability to deliver in timescales required; lack of necessary permissions; and inadequate risk assessment. 4.8 The late receipt of part of the funding and the requirement for all projects to be completed, invoiced and paid prior to 31 March 2025 did present a number of challenges. So not all funding could be allocated. 4.9 A total of £191,205.32 (78.5%) of the potential grant allocation of £243,595.76 was spent in 2024/25 - an end of year underspend of £52,390.44 (21.5%). ___________________________________________________________________ 5. CLLD Delivery 2025 / 26 5.1 Scottish Government confirmed an initial tranche of funding of up to £175,086.63 has been allocated to GRI LAG to deliver CLLD programme to 31 March 2026. This included an allocation of £100,000.00 (revenue) and £75,086.63 (capital). 5.2 Board were advised of this at their meeting of 20 May 2025 and agreed that Renfrewshire Council would continue to act as Lead Partner and Accountable Body 5.3 Scottish Government have since advised of an increased offer of funding up up to £233,225.25, an increase of £58,139. This new allocation provides £100,000 (revenue) and £133,225.25 (capital). 5.4 GRI LAG has decided to utilise the allocated funding through delivery of a Revenue Grants Scheme with funding of between £5,000 to £10,000 available for successful applicants. A Capital Grants Scheme is also available with funding of a minimum of £15,000 available for successful applicants. 5.5 Allocation of funds will continue through a competitive application process. Eligibility to bid will remain open to any community led or business project which advances LAG and Scottish Government priorities and supports communities in the designated LAG areas.
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5.6 GRI LAG members, as well as Council officials from all three local authority areas, are marketing the opportunities and liaising with a range of eligible local groups with a view to maximising expressions of interest, submissions and spend against available funds. Information is also available on the GRI LAG website (www.grilag.com) ___________________________________________________________________ 6. Future Reporting 6.1 It is proposed that a further update report(s) be provided to Board at a date(s) to be agreed. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional finance is sought. Funding of £233,225.25 has been allocated by Scottish Government for the 2025/26 period. 2. HR & Organisational Development – Elements of 3 posts within Economic Development (amounting to 0.8 FTE equivalent) are currently financially supported through CLLD Funds. These posts will continue to be partially supported through this new funding allocation. 3. Community/Council Planning – Partnership working is essential to the success of the CLLD Programme. Economic Development colleagues from East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Councils and from the Renfrewshire LEP will be significantly involved in the planning and delivery of programme requirements. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. Climate Risk – None 13. Children’s Rights - None
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14. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers • Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Grant Award 2025/26; Economy and Regeneration Board:, 20 May 2025. • Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Update; 21 January 2025. • Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Update; 27 August 2024. • Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Update 2023/24; Economy and Regeneration Board; 23 August 2023 The foregoing background papers will be retained within Chief Executive’s Service For inspection by the public for the prescribed period of four years from the date of the meeting. The contact officer within the service is Michael Moran, Assistant Economic Development Manager – michael.moran@renfrewshire.gov.uk _________________________________________________________________ Chief Executive’s MM 23 July 2025 Author: Michael Moran, Assistant Economic Development Manager Email: michael.moran@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Appendix 1 – Projects supported and grant allocations 2024/25 Small Grant Revenue Projects – Tranche 1 These were available for projects requiring LAG funding between £5,000 - £10,000. Project Description LAG funding Folks Music Project CIC – Winter Warmers Music Sessions 18 x weekly 2 hr folk music sessions held in The Bank, Neilston. This provided a space for those at risk of social isolation with access to a warm space, hot food and entertainment during the winter months.- 53 people participated. £4,075.00 Financial Fitness – Eradicating Child Poverty Financial Fitness are Inverclyde’s welfare, benefit and money advice organisation. Grant was for 6 months funding towards an Advisor post. This project targeted financial advice for families living in the rural areas, aimed at reducing child poverty. 243 families were targeted over a 6 month period and so far has generated £138,619 of financial outcomes however over £250,000 worth of benefit claims submitted are awaiting processing by DWP and other benefit agencies. £7,564.00 Inverkip Community Hub – Community Lunches 11 Kip Community Lunches were funded between October 2024 and February 2025. These were themed e.g. health and wellbeing, showing films for elderly residents. Average attendance of 45 people at each lunch. The Christmas Lights switch on was attended by over 300 people. £7,000.00 Johnstone Community Transport – Kilbarchan Bus To allow employment of a new part time bus driver to increase the bus service in the village of Kilbarchan to/from Johnstone Train Station. Well supported by local residents with1050 passenger journeys each week. £10,000.00 Friends of Howwood Park- Share Shed - Equipment Library A Share Shed (equipment library) Project was set up from the Park Pavilion. Funding allowed purchase of various items which are then hired out to the local community e.g. hedge trimmer, power washer. This project benefits the residents of Howwood (1636 population) – a mix of capital and revenue items were purchased. £2,254.00 (also received Capital Funding) Ardgowan Thistle FC- New strips/equipment 270 local school children take part in teams ran by ATFC. New strips, balls, cones etc £2,295.00 (also received
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were purchased and are kept in the secure container that the LAG also funded. capital funding) TOTAL £33,188.00 Capital Projects These were available for capital projects requiring LAG funding between £10,000 and £25,000. Project Description LAG funding West Region Scouts Council - Lapwing Lodge – new insulation New insulation for the East and West corridor ceilings and installation of new fire doors to reduce heating costs and provide users with a warmer environment to participate in their group activities (over 4000 users each year). £15,000.00 32nd Greenock Scout Group – A Centre for All Conversion of premises to provide a second hall for groups to meet and take part in activities to complement the indoor climbing wall and outdoor archery area. There is easy access to the Greenock Cut area. The premises are gas free with installation of heat pumps. This space will be used mainly for outdoor groups e.g. Inverclyde Ramblers, Cycling Club and Duke of Edinburgh. This project was welcomed by the local and rural communities and was made possible by the support from the LAG and the fact that the first large amount of £25,000 was granted which allowed successful approaches to other funders. £25,000.00 Ardgowan Thistle F.C – purchase of container and equipment Purchase of a Titan Container to allow secure storage of equipment. Also purchase of pop up goals and gazebos. This will benefit 270 local school age children who are members of the football club. £11,661.00 (also received revenue funding) Friends of Howwood Park – Share Shed A Share Shed (equipment library) Project is ran from the Park Pavilion. Funding allowed purchase of various items which are then hired out to the local community e.g. hedge trimmer, power washer. This project benefits the residents of Howwood (1636 population). A mix of capital and revenue items were purchased. £3,691.00 (also received revenue funding) TOTAL £50,352.00
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Small Grant Revenue Projects – Tranche 2 These were available for projects requiring LAG funding between £1,000 and £5,000 Project Description LAG funding Bee Happy – gardening equipment Purchase of a commercial grade lawnmower and a backpack leaf blower to allow local volunteers to maintain the grass in various locations adopted by Bee Happy in Houston and Crosslee. £2,023.00 Creative Regeneration – pop up STEM classroom Purchase of equipment and materials to launch the pop- up classroom in the Library at Gourock (interactive whiteboard, 3D printer and laser cutter) Over 100 children attend first event and equipment will be used at future STEM events. £5,000.00 15th Glasgow - Eaglesham Scout Group – new equipment A range of equipment was purchased for use at the Eaglesham Scouts Community Hall e.g. tables, chairs, badminton nets and video projector to meet the needs of the users in the local rural community groups who use the Hall. £4,862.00 Friends of Howwood Park – Helping Hands Funding was provided to purchase a laptop to allow groups to host talks at Howwood Pavilion e,g RSPB. Funding also used to complete the raised planter which has now been filled with compost and plants by local volunteers. Food bags were given to older residents over an 8 week period who attend the Tuesday Club – 120 bags of food provided. £3,950.00 Friends of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park – Purchase of IT Equipment Purchase of IT equipment, including a new laptop, allowed wider audience engagement with an improved quality of communication e.g production of a more professional newsletter to our distribution list of 300, also now targeting more schools in West Scotland area. £1,523.18 32nd Greenock Scout Group – purchase of cooker Purchase of an energy saving Turbofan own to replace obsolete 35 year old gas oven. This to allow hot meals to be £4,055.00
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prepared for the various groups that use the Community Hall. Bowman Rebecchi – Upgrade to Harbour Lets Property Upgraded 2 unused rooms within Harbour Lets (former Albert Hotel), Gourock to allow more visitor options in the area, therefore increasing local tourism, with pricing remaining competitive at £50-£70 per night. All works were done by local contractors. £5,000.00 Inverkip Community Hub – purchase of resources for use by local community Replaced laptop and speakers for the Training room used by Camera Group, Guitar Group, Art Group and Skywatchers. Replaced crash mats for use by Kip toddlers, Dance Groups and Karate Groups and also upgraded toys for toddlers group. £4,990.00 Johnstone Community Transport – replacement bus engine Upgrade existing Optare Solo Bus with a replacement engine to upgrade the current fleet to allow a new service to run from Quariers/Bridge of Weir to Johnstone Train Station. £5,000.00 Kilmacolm Local Assoc of Guides – purchase of new equipment Purchase of new foldable chairs and benches for use within the Guide Hut thereby maximising usable floor space for all group activities. As well as the guide groups, line dancers, keep fit classes, ladies’ group and the Church group all use the hall. £2,044.26 West Region Scout Council - Lapwing Lodge further insulation upgrades Further to Tranche 1 funding to insulate ceiling and provide new fire doors, this funding was used to insulate the external walls in the corridors and reinstate the décor. This was to compliment the measures already taken to reduce energy bills and make the building more comfortable for users. The corridors are used allowing user groups to break into smaller sections for activities (over 4000 users per annum). £4,332.94 Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) – feasibility study Consultants were engaged to carry out a feasibility study into rental of 1 High St, Lochwinnoch (old bank) with opportunities for income generation to support LEAP’s existing charitable activities in the Renfrewshire area (Community Larder and The Feel Good Festival). Local businesses, community members and potential clients were all engaged and a robust Business Plan produced. £9,180.00
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Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) – Lochwinnoch food larder upgrades Upgraded the existing food storage shed by insulating the walls and ceiling and fitted floor linoleum. Built then painted additional shelving. This was to prevent stock loss e.g. rusting tins and damp cardboard packaging. Used by 1650 members from a wide rural area. £1,597.00 Propagate (Scotland) CIC– Living Soil Project Purchase of 6 hot composters to transform food waste into living soil for Neilston, Uplawmoor, Lochwinnoch and Houston (partner organisations LEAP Larder in Lochwinnoch and Creating a Sustainable Gryffe, Houston). This soil is then used by households, allotments, community gardens and any other local groups registered in the Compost Club. £5,355.00 RIG Arts – RIG Creative Café Project This project benefitted Gourock residents with a focus on bridging intergenerational gaps. There were 4 weekly workshops held with 28 locals, aged between 18 and 63, attending in a local cafe creating a piece of artwork through guided learning whilst receiving a hot drink and sweet treat thereby benefitting local business. £1,792.00 TOTAL £60,703.38