The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) is inviting applications for grants of up to £25,000 from community projects across the UK, with up to £250,000 available.

The PCF is interested in projects that will make a difference in rural communities across the UK and clearly demonstrate the need within the community. Applications are encouraged from all parts of the UK.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “The PCF’s grant programme enables rural communities to become more self-sufficient by funding community-led solutions. With thanks to Waitrose and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the PCF aims to invest at least £500,000 each year through our rural grant programmes to make projects happen, particularly in hamlets, villages, and small towns.” 

Zero Carbon Llanidloes have been awarded funding for their Llanidloes Library of Things – a project which will create a community resource by providing a store of useful tools and equipment to borrow – like a carpet cleaner or stairgate. This will save local residents from having stuff that is rarely used cluttering up their homes and means those who cannot afford to buy can still access the things they need.

Maya Binson, Secretary of Zero Carbon Llanidloes said: “The funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund will make a huge difference to Llanidloes Library of Things and to the people of Llanidloes.  It will help change the way all of us view the things we have and the things we need.  We all have cupboards and garages full of stuff we only use rarely – pressure washers, camping gear, and kitchen equipment. 

“If we shared those things, those who cannot afford to buy them would be able to access them and all of us would need to buy less.  We will encourage people “to borrow not buy” and we will give new life to old things. This funding will help us work with local schools helping young people see the value in mending and re-using and giving them invaluable life skills at the same time.  And all of this will reduce our carbon footprint while building a stronger, friendlier community.”

Madeleine Taylor, Head of Operations said: “We’re looking for organisations that can demonstrate how they are operating at the heart of their local community. We want to know why their project is the solution to a communal issue or challenge. Because of this, we ask applicants to provide evidence of demand direct from their target community and to show us how the project will make a tangible difference to the lives of those in their rural village or town. 

If you are interested in applying please ensure that you have ready the guidance, FAQ and Grant application tips, which can be read on our website at: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/grants.

If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria or would like to discuss you project, please complete the online Expression of Interest form on the website and a member of the team will be in touch. Examples of the types of projects we like to support can be found in The Village Survival Guide.

Applications for grants close on 11th April 2023 at midday. 

On 21 September 2022, the Government outlined plans to help cut energy bills for businesses. Full details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-outlines-plans-to-help-cut-energy-bills-for-businesses

The following information is for organisations and businesses who use alternative fuels for energy such as kerosene.

The Non-Domestic Alternative Fuels Payments Scheme provides a fixed payment of £150 to UK non-domestic consumers who are off the gas grid and use alternative fuels. Most consumers that are eligible for this payment will have already received it automatically as a credit on their electricity bills.

Properties not connected to the electricity grid will not have received £150 automatically and will need to apply through the online portal.

Higher users of heating oil (kerosene), defined as over 10,000 litres per year, will be eligible to apply for an additional payment based on the amount of Kerosene they use. Please note that the additional payments are for Kerosene only and do not cover other fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gas oil or red diesel. Anyone in any doubt about the fuel they are using should contact their supplier.

Who can apply?

This scheme provides support for all UK non-domestic consumers using alternative fuels such as kerosene for energy, that are not on the gas grid. This includes commercial businesses, voluntary sector organisations including charities and community interest companies and public sector organisations such as schools, hospitals and care homes.

How to apply

If you are connected to the electricity grid, the fixed payment of £150 will be paid to you automatically by your electricity supplier. You do not need to make an application.

If you are not connected to the electricity grid, you will need to apply for the £150 fixed payment.

If you use more than 10,000 litres Kerosene per year you may be eligible for the additional payment and you will need to apply and provide evidence to support your claim.

Where possible, all applications should be completed on-line.

Apply now at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-energy-bill-support-for-non-domestic-properties

The BBC has announced that it will suspend the license fee as a one-off for the King’s Coronation weekend. The broadcaster said it is in “exceptional circumstances” that a temporary dispensation is granted, with the event needing to be of “national importance”.

The exemption means that events can be organised to screen the coronation for communities in venues such as churches and village halls without needing to purchase a license, although a PRS Licence will still be required. Other examples of community venues include commercial premises such as concert halls, performing arts venues, and cinemas. It also applies to any outdoor venues that have the facilities to screen.

Further details are available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/terms/can-i-screen-the-coronation-and-the-coronation-concert/


• Be in celebration of The Coronation
• Take place between 5th and 8th May 2023
• Be organized and run by unpaid volunteers
• Be provided for the local community
• Have a total expected attendance/capacity 300 or fewer
• Not generate a profit
• Be held in premises or a place that does not otherwise require, or currently hold, TheMusicLicence.

Provided that these conditions are our ACRE Network has been advised that “We would not license this event under our discretionary charging policy.” i.e. no license if needed.

If you’re organising a community event to celebrate the King’s Coronation in Berkshire we’d LOVE to hear from you so we can share and promote it on our social media channels. Please send details to gemma.pearce@ccberks.org.uk

UK residents are being advised to make the most of three key sources of support which are available – Credit Unions, other community lenders such as community banks and CDFIs, and free benefits calculators.

As many as 1.08 million people may already be in the hands of illegal lenders, and a fifth of UK adults had less than £100 in savings even before the current financial crisis, with recent data from Fair4All Finance having shown that over 16 million people in the UK are particularly vulnerable to these practices, or are in financially vulnerable circumstances.

Credit Unions and other community finance providers currently help thousands of people in the UK to get credit to cover essential or unexpected expenses. They also support members to put what money they can aside as savings, even whilst borrowing.

An alternative to high street banks, for many years local Credit Unions have assisted households in a range of financial circumstances to afford essential items or cover unexpected expenses, as well as helping them to build their financial resilience.

Fair4All is also urging the public to make sure they are claiming the correct benefits to help with the cost-of-living crisis by using online benefits calculators such as those recommended by the Government.

Credit unions and community finance providers have decades of experience in supporting households to save and borrow. They are experts in lending responsibly, whether that’s to people who are well off or to those in vulnerable circumstances. They are a key sector as we go through a distressing cost-of-living crisis. Lenders such as these, and the benefits calculators available online, could be vital resources as local people try to navigate this difficult time.

Article by Stop Loan Sharks. To read their winter newsletter click here.