The HCA has revealed that £30million has been set aside for the Empty Homes Community Grants Fund, leaving no more thatn £70million for bids to the HCA's Empty Homes pot which are currently being assessed. (£2million has already been allocated during 2011-12, so the amount may be less than £70million).
The HCA Newsletter for the 1st February noted "We are currently assessing an encouraging bidding response to the remaining £70m of funding."
Bidders for the HCA funding stream may be disappointed at the reduced sum of money, whereas those looking to support Community Grant Fund bids will be encouraged to learn that up to £30million is definitely available for the programme. Local auhorities sitll have until 17th April to develop partnerships with community groups and assist in bids to the Community Gant Fund.
CLG Guidance states that up to £30million will available depending on the quality of the bids. We can only guess what will happen to the surplus money if the CGF bids are of insufficient quality, whether it will be returned to the HCA or used to augment the sums offered to the best Community Grant Fuund bids.