Local Organisations Receive Funding Boost

Lichfield District Council has announced the nine organisations and groups set to benefit from a slice of £639,000 funding, as part of the council's Service Level Agreements. The funding is spread out over three years (2009 to 2012), and will help the organisations to deliver a range of valuable services to the community.

The council enters into these agreements to ensure that local organisations and groups are offering a good service to the community. They agree to fund the organisation, if they agree to develop their service in some way - such as working more closely with similar organisations to benefit even more people.The organisations that will receive funding fall under two categories. The first category - social and welfare care - supports the council's aim to make local peoples' lives better by helping financially, preventing homelessness, and improving the lives of children and much more. The organisations include South East Staffordshire Citizens' Advice Bureau, Lichfield & District Voluntary Sector Support, South Staffordshire's Relate, Fusion Credit Union, HomeStart and Pathway Project.

The second category offers arts, culture and heritage, and include Erasmus Darwin House, Lichfield District Arts association and Lichfield Festival.

Councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Community, Housing and Health, said:  "These organisations and groups provide our residents with important services so we are delighted that we can offer them help to develop and continue their good work. Lichfield District Council delivers many key services in partnership with local voluntary groups and businesses and this ensures great value for money for residents and the very best levels of service.

"These are difficult times so I am particularly pleased to be able to offer these partners the security of a three year funding agreement. We hope this will help those agencies providing residents with advice and support to meet the rising demand for their services, while we continue to support the arts organisations that contribute to the unique experience of living in Lichfield District."