News

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LEAF Funding Available – DEADLINE: 20th January

Community groups have until 20th January to apply for government funding which is available to communities in England and Wales who are playing an active role in the development of a low carbon society. Money is available to finance projects that increase understanding and uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and help to make energy supply secure and affordable for everyone in your community. Interested groups can submit an online application.

www.greencommunitiescc.org.uk
 

Successful Legal Challenge to FITS

 

 Friends of the Earth and two solar installers have successfully challenged the government’s decision to cut FIT rates by half before ending a consultation on the issue.
 
Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director said: ‘We hope this ruling will prevent ministers rushing through damaging changes to clean energy subsidies - giving solar firms a much-needed confidence boost.’
 
The government have since confirmed that they intend to appeal the decision this week. Greg Barker of the Department for Energy and Climate Change tweeted that ‘Budget means 4 every 1 new taker @ 43p, 2 homes won't get it at 21p.’ He also pointed out that: ‘many installers r telling us @ 21p solar pv still makes sense for right home.’
 
Critics of the government’s decision have pointed out that it has caused local authorities and community groups to cancel schemes for social housing and community buildings despite having already put in lots of work on these projects.
 
 

www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/fits_appeal/fits_appeal.aspx

 

Community Action Grants Available in Derbyshire

 Derbyshire County Council are offering Community Action Grants of up to £1,000 to help small groups run projects that improve life in their local community. Groups are invited to apply anytime up until 14 December 2012. The council considers applications every three months and the next deadline is 27 January 2012.
 

Community Buying Schemes for Heating Oil

Bulk purchase heating oil schemes exist in both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. 
 
Both schemes allow householders to buy smaller amounts of oil (a minimum of 500 litres instead of 1000 litres if purchasing on your own) at cheaper prices. The Nottinghamshrie scheme saves people an average of 4p per litre.
 

Community Footprint Award Scheme – Apply now - extended deadline 15 December

The Community Footprint Award 2011-12 will provide £2,000 to one organisation in each of the nine English regions to help develop a new initiative or add value to an existing project which demonstrates best practice in the field of fuel poverty and carbon savings.

 
Entries are welcome from all not-for-profit groups and organisations undertaking work to tackle fuel poverty and promote affordable warmth to vulnerable households in England, and those that are working to reduce carbon emissions.
 
Once the regional winners have been chosen, NEA will organise a Community Surgery event to promote the initiative to the wider community, and to provide an opportunity for the judges to visit each project. The judges will then decide on one overall national winner to receive an additional £3,000 to further develop or disseminate their initiative.
 
To apply and for further details, please visit http://www.nea.org.uk/footprint-award/ to download and complete the application form. The application process is straightforward, applicants need to include contact details, details of any partner organisations, a short description of the project and its aims & outcomes, and details on how the award would be spent. Please submit your completed application by 15 December. There is no need to submit an expression of interest first.
 
For further information please contact Sarah Wright on sarah.wright@nea.org.uk.