LIS ‘not viable’ to deliver jobs and local growth

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) at Nottinghamshire County Council is to have its £3 million-a-year budget cut by 50 per cent, with a new scheme set up to help create more jobs.

However, of the £1.5 million left over, only £500,000 would be retained for community-based environmental improvement schemes under the new name -Supporting Local Communities Fund- and £1 million would be used for job and growth retention under the Economic Development Committee.

This effectively cuts the LIS money down to a sixth of its size, a move which has angered some members.

Coun Gail Turner said the scheme had been invaluable for many, including a project in her Selston ward where it will largely pay for a war memorial.

She said: “It’s bitterly disappointing, there have been some amazing projects throughout the county and it’s a shame that we won’t be able to do that anymore.

“If you divide that £500,000 between each councillor now there’s less than £10,000 and you can’t do any local schemes with that.

“I understand there has to be a reduction in budgets, but this was a cracking scheme.”

Coun Richard Butler added: “The Local Improvement Scheme was three times over-subscribed when there was £3 million in the pot, so with only £500,000 now available there will be a lot of people across Nottinghamshire left disappointed when their projects are refused.”