New £1.5m fund to boost communities and businesses

A £1.5m fund has been launched to support communities and businesses across south Staffordshire.

The money could support a wide range of community, environmental and business‑focused projects, South Staffordshire Council said.

The grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available as part of the community groups and local initiatives fund, for community-led projects including local events, clean-up campaigns or sustainability.

Then the Business Investment Fund, offering grants from £1,000 to £7,000, could also be used to help support businesses to start or expand, a spokesperson said.

Council leader Kath Perry said the fund was "an excellent opportunity for local people to make real change".

"We know that the best ideas often come from the people who live and work in our communities, so we want to encourage people to come forward with ideas, work together, and help shape places they are proud to live and work in," she added.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.