The first grant from South Lanarkshire Council's £1 million Local Action Fund has been proposed, with a report recommending approval of £1,100 to Hillhouse Tenants' and Residents' Association. The funding would contribute to hiring two buses for an annual family outing to Burntisland.
Funding Details and Source
The proposed grant comes from the Ward 18 (Hamilton West and Earnock) allocation of £50,000, part of the broader Local Action Fund for 2026/27. The fund was reintroduced in February's budget and provides £50,000 to each of the council's 20 wards, creating a £1 million total pot for projects addressing local priorities.
The Executive Committee will consider the report on Wednesday, June 24. If approved, the grant will support the Hillhouse Tenants' and Residents' Association's annual trip, which takes local families to Burntisland.
How the Fund Operates
Councillors are expected to use community plans, local knowledge, and feedback from residents and organisations to identify suitable projects. The report states that projects should ideally be deliverable within the 2026/27 financial year and avoid creating long-term recurring costs, as the fund is intended for one-off community investments.
The £1,100 proposal is the first spending recommendation brought forward under the scheme this year. The Executive Committee will also be asked to approve the overall approach for the fund's operation in 2026/27, with further spending proposals expected later in the year.
Timeline for Future Proposals
Under the proposed timetable, ward members must submit their project suggestions by August 14. Additional funding recommendations are expected to be considered by the Executive Committee from September onwards.
According to the council report, the fund aims to support projects that address local priorities, with the Hillhouse Tenants' and Residents' Association grant being the first of many anticipated allocations.
