Update on the Future of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding (NRF)
In February 2008 the Hartlepool Borough Council agreed the Medium Term Financial Strategy including the allocation of the Area Based Grant (ABG) and the Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) - which replaces the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF).
· ABG 2008/2009 allocation £6.007m for specific grants.
· WNF 2008/2009 allocation £4.502m.
These funds support a wide range of services many provided by the Local Authority. But the funding also provides significant funding to the Hartlepool Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). Although the final decisions for the next financial year have only just been made it will come as a relief to those employed on funded schemes in the VCS, for example the decisions ensure that the work of the Community Network and the Community Chest will continue for 2008/09. Part of the WNF will be reviewed in 2008/09 which may result in changes to where funding is allocated. The hope of VCS groups must be that decisions on funding for 2009/10 will be made earlier in the financial year.
