Still time to bid for a share of Late Night Levy cash

Up to £70k will be shared between local groups, organisations and businesses, thanks to money raised by the late night levy in Cheltenham.  With the deadline approaching, those applying for a grant need to get their bids in soon.

Cheltenham Borough Council, together with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have been inviting funding bids over recent weeks for projects that will help shape Cheltenham’s night time economy in to a safe, diverse and well managed place for everybody to enjoy.

To request an application form or if you have any further queries, please email Joanna Szymanska, commissioning officer.

Background

• The Late Night Levy fund will support projects that help towards the following outcomes:
• Promoting a greater diversity in the night time economy
• Supporting better management of licensed premises and public spaces
• Working together to support safe movement through the night time economy
• Working together to reduce alcohol related health harms by preventing vulnerability, promoting safe drinking limits and reducing pre-loading and/or
• Working together to promote a clean environment

The aim is to support a range of projects and activities across Cheltenham and funding will vary based upon the nature of each application. Grants can cover a range of costs such as practical work, equipment and materials as well as awareness raising, marketing and promotion and training.

Cheltenham was the second town in England to introduce a late night levy in April 2014. The money raised from it contributes towards the costs of managing the late night economy. Projects funded by Cheltenham’s Late Night Levy (LNL) so far are already having a positive impact on the town’s night time economy, making it a safer and more welcoming place for residents and visitors. Some of these include:

• The introduction of the body worn CCTV cameras worn by the town’s taxi marshals – these have proven to be an effective means of deterring potential trouble makers.
• The university has expanded its student community patrol work and is planning an additional night to provide support to fellow students out enjoying Cheltenham’s night life.
• Funding provided to the St Paul's Street Watch has enabled the group to purchase night safe radios to keep in touch with what is happening in the town.
• Work to get Purple Flag accreditation for the town.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: "Cheltenham has a vibrant night-time economy that far exceeds other towns of similar sizes. An active night-time economy demands additional resource and cost for the council, police and other partners to deal with associated crime, disorder and other anti-social behaviour.

"We are already beginning to see the positive impact that money raised through the late night levy is having on Cheltenham’s night time economy.

"This year we are looking for some really innovative approaches and proposals to deal with some of the issues associated with the management of the night time economy."

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl, added: "The Late Night Levy has already been used to fund a wide and imaginative range of schemes.  These have not only helped reduce pressure on both police and council resources, but also contributed to make the town an even safer, friendlier place.

"Cheltenham is rightly known for what it has to offer through its night-time economy and it’s important that all interested parties make a contribution to maintaining that reputation.

"I hope as many as possible will take advantage of the Late Night Levy whilst the bidding is open."

There are no restrictions on who can apply for the late night levy fund. The maximum term for funding will not exceed one year however funded projects may reapply the following year if further funding is required. To find out more see the LNL Funding FAQs. You can request an application form by emailing the Police and Crime Commissioner’s commissioning team.

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Notes:

Information on the LNL fund can also be found in the question about the Commissioner’s Fund.

Cheltenham was the second town in England to introduce a late night levy in April 2014. New legislation in 2012 permitted councils to adopt such a levy and to use the money it raises from it to contribute towards the costs of managing the late night economy.

The late night levy is payable by premises that are licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6am.
Under the legislation the Police receive at least 70% of net levy revenue with the remainder being retained by the licensing authority to fund alcohol-related crime and disorder and services connected to the management of the night-time economy.

Rather than managing two separate spending programmes, a single spending programme for Cheltenham has been agreed facilitated by a Late Night Levy Advisory Group that will include representative from both the OPCC and CBC, plus members from the licensed trade.