Commuted Sums

A Commuted Sum is a payment by developers to a local authority when it is not appropriate to provide the required outdoor open space during a development. The funds are held specifically for the enhancement of open spaces and play areas, and are often used for the same town or community council from where they came. However, in some circumstances, the funds can be used for nearby towns or community councils in Denbighshire.

Funding

Funds will only be available in city, town and community council areas where developments with open space commuted sum agreements exist and have met the conditions required for payment to be made prior to available funds being advertised.

Applications for eligible projects taking place across the city, town and community council areas listed in the following table will be accepted, however, priority will be given to projects taking place in the same locality in which the developments were built (highlighted in the priority places column).

The amount of funding available, and in which areas is listed in the following table: 

Who can apply for funding?

The following types of organisations are eligible to apply:

• City, town and community councils
• Community groups, social enterprises and third sector organisations
• Charities
• Public sector organisations
• Amateur sports clubs
• Denbighshire County Council, including schools (where project meets fund criteria)

To be considered eligible for this fund, clubs and membership organisations must be affordable and accessible to the community at large. They should also offer a ‘pay and play’ option for non-members.

What type of projects would be eligible for funding?

Funds can be used to lay out new open space and play provision or to enhance existing provision, thereby increasing usage. To be eligible for this fund:

• Funds can only be used for capital projects – meaning physical improvements that will be fixed in place and in-situ long-term. For example, fixed goal posts would be eligible, but mobile goal posts would not.
• Funding cannot be used for feasibility works, staffing costs, ongoing maintenance costs and mobile equipment (e.g. lawnmowers, aerators, mobile play equipment).
• Informal outdoor space such as green areas and woodlands are eligible provided the project increases the recreational value of the setting.
• Formal parks, gardens and sport facilities where people can exercise are eligible, providing they are open public access and affordable or free.
• Applicants must provide evidence of ongoing maintenance arrangements, planning consent, land ownership and/or lease arrangements.
• Applicants must provide evidence of community engagement, and wherever possible, support from the respective City, Town or Community Council.

How to apply for a commuted sum

Applying for a commuted sum is now available. You can apply online or by downloading and sending us a completed application form.

Apply online

Apply online for a commuted sum

Download an application form

Public Recreational Open Space Commuted Sums application form (MS Word, 67KB)

Guidance and more information

Please contact communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk if you would like:

• guidance when applying for a commuted sum
• to discuss the proposed project in more detail
• more information

Application Assessment

Applications will be considered in consultation with County Council Officers and the local County Councillors. There is no right of appeal in this case, although representations can be made to the Council before the money is allocated.

Assessment Criteria

Projects will be assessed against the following criteria. It is not expected that a project will meet all the criteria listed, but applications that meet a higher proportion of the criteria will be prioritised.

The project:

• Is located within an eligible city, town or community council area, where commuted sum funds are advertised as available.
• Forms part of an overall strategy to improve community recreational open space.
• Meets an evidenced need or shortfall in the local area.
• Substantially increases participation.
• Extends the period of use (including providing all-year use).
• Extends or widens the current use to provide additional uses.
• Provides or extends use for all ages, genders, sports and sections of the community, including improving accessibility.
• Offers value for money.
• Levers in substantial additional money via match funding.
• Is a good example of partnership working for the overall benefit of the local community.
• Is available to the public at large for free or a nominal charge.
• Shows evidence of City Town or Community Council support.
• Takes a community-led approach backed by evidence of community engagement and consultation.
• Takes steps to consider environmental impact in line with Denbighshire’s Climate and Nature Strategy

Payment of Grant

Grant payments will be made to the applicant organisation upon the completion of work, either at the end of the project or in stages. To make a grant claim, successful applicants will need to submit a claim form along with receipted invoices for approved eligible expenses. Alternative grant payment arrangements will only be made in exceptional circumstances and where a clear need is demonstrated. Applicants must also keep all necessary records during the project and after its completion for audit purposes.

The financial and administrative management of the fund will be the responsibility of Denbighshire County Council’s Community Resilience Team (Housing and Communities Service). Funds will be held in a separate interest earning account and will be ring fenced for open space provision.

Completion of Schemes

Funding awards will be time limited. Projects must be completed with 24 months of approval, otherwise the award will lapse and applicants will need to re-apply. A progress update will be required after 12 months.