KNUTSFORD is bottom of the table for New Homes Bonus funding across Cheshire East over the next two years.

Community groups from the town and Wilmslow are set to benefit from a £2 million funding pot.

The boost comes from the New Homes Bonus Community Fund, which is due to benefit groups from seven areas across Cheshire East.

The fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, including town and parish councils, as well as voluntary, community and faith groups in Knutsford, Wilmslow, Congleton, Crewe, Macclesfield, Nantwich and Poynton.

The scheme is designed to achieve benefits based on locally-identified needs.

Knutsford is bottom of the table in terms of allocated funds for the first year, with £61,790, behind Poynton on £67,776, Wilmslow on £86,731, Macclesfield on £121,739, Nantwich with £162,006, Crewe on £170,985 and Congleton top with £328,973.

The priorities for each of the areas have been set by seven geographical award groups, made up of elected members and a representative from the town and parish councils.

Cheshire East Council’s cabinet approved a £2 million New Homes Bonus (NHB) fund to help communities where new housing developments have been built between 2011 and 2017. Each group can bid for a minimum of £10,000.

Councillor Paul Bates, portfolio holder for finance and communications at Cheshire East Council, said: “This fund is great news for the people of Cheshire East – seven areas are set to benefit considerably to the total tune of £2 million over two years.

“The fund will make it possible for local councils and the voluntary, community and faith sectors to apply for projects that can make a lasting difference to their community.”

The Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) has been working in partnership with Cheshire East Council on the New Homes Bonus and is offering free funding support to all organisations wishing to bid to the first round of this fund.

For more information please visit the CVS website - cvsce.org.uk. Application forms for the NHB are available on the council’s website - cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/your_council/council_finance_and_governance/new-homes-bonus.aspx