The latest from the Civic Trust.

Apply for a Share of �50m!!!

Since 19th March 2008, over �750,000 has been awarded to community groups as part of a �50m community Spaces grant programme.

The programme is managed by Groundwork UK on behalf of a consortium of environmental organisations including the Civic Trust.

The Big Lottery Fund is providing the �50m cash pot for the Community Spaces programme under its �234m Changing Spaces initiative to help communities enjoy and improve their local environments.

To learn more about this great opportunity click here

Reducing VAT on Repairs to Buildings

The Civic Trust has been working with the Federation of Master builders on reducing VAT on repairs to buildings. Between 21 April and 9th May, ComRes surveyed 168 MPs on the ComRes MP panel using self-completion postal questionnaires. Data was weighted to reflect the exact composition of the House of Commons in terms of party representation and regional distribution.

For results of a survey of MP's asking if they supported a cut in VAT click here.

New Chief Planner To Boost Communities

The Government's vision for vibrant and sustainable communities was given a boost with the announcement of a new highly skilled Chief Planner by Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears. The Government's ambitious reforms aim to make the planning system faster and fairer with people and councils engaged in shaping their communities. The new Chief Planner has been appointed to help drive forward this agenda.

Steve Quartermain will spearhead the Government's drive to ensure the planning system supports the delivery of housing growth, climate change, sustainable economic development and works to protect and enhance the natural environment.

To read the full story click here

Green Flag Award Network Forum

The new Green Flag Award Network forum gives you the opportunity to chat to others about Green Flag Award matters or discuss parks and green space which concern you.

Green Flag Award judges will have access to a secure area of the forum to discuss anything of concern, swap anecdotes and highlight sites of best practice. Please be aware this forum has replaced the previous portal. If you need reminding of your login details please contact David Greedus on 0151 231 6905 or dgreedus@civictrust.org.uk.

Free Seminar and Study Tour

English Heritage, Shape East, and CABE seminar would like to invite you to a free seminar and study tour on 12th June 2008.

The day will be dedicated to the Impact of Growth on our Rural Heritage plus a Tour of Cambridgeshire Villages.

This is a FREE seminar and tour, however Shape East events tend to book up fast, so make sure you ensure your place. For the agenda and booking information visit the Civic Society website and download the pdf. file by clicking here.

So What Are Your Thoughts On The Planning Process?

DCLG would like to hear what our members think about the planning application process. This is our chance to affect change. If you or your society would like t o contribute to the review, kindly record your thoughts on our discussion forum here or write to Michael Hammerson, our policy consultant at mhammerson@civictrust.org.uk. The Killian Pretty review will carry out a detailed review, from start to finish, of the process for seeking planning permission. It will look at case studies for a range of different sectors including, housing, business and the renewables industry.

To find out more about this review please click here

Web Page Waiting for Societies

If you have visited the new Civic Societies web site recently you would have seen that the Civic Trust is actively seeking to raise the profile of its membership by dedicating a single web page to each member society. These single page sites provide easy opportunity for members of the public to immediately join a local Civic Society. To increase the chances of this happening, members will need to take advantage of this opportunity to present their Societies in their best light, like Reading Civic Society recently did. Starting from next week we are bringing in 3 volunteers who will be dedicated to posting information and images on each Society's webpage. So hurry and take advantage of their great opportunity to promote your society to the wider public by sending us your additional information and images to post on your Civic Societies web page. Send your details to our Mebership Services Helpdesk manager Alden Charles at helpdesk@civictrust.org.uk

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