Issue details

The Local Member Grants Scheme was introduced in 2006 and provides each County Councillor with a budget of £2,000 to support voluntary, community and faith sector groups in their local area (electoral division). The scheme supports a variety of community activities that benefit members of the public in a Councillor's electoral division.

The principles and guidance for Local Member Grants established when the scheme was first introduced, has allowed Councillors to carry-forward a maximum of £250 of unspent funds into the next financial year.

Parliament's approval of recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England in November 2016 has resulted in a change to the electoral divisions in Lancashire. These changes will take effect at the County Council's elections on 4 May 2017. In light of this, changes to the guidance issued to County Councillors are recommended for the rest of the 2016/17 financial year to allow the process to be fair, ensuring that all County Councillors following the elections receive a new, equal budget of £2,000.