This review looked at what funding processes should be put in place to fund the voluntary and community sector in 2011-12 and beyond, recognising the challenging economic environment we now face. I am pleased to now announce the results of this review, which you can download below.

In these challenging times I am particularly pleased that we can make £100,000 available during 2011-12 for small grants up to the value of £5,000 for voluntary and community sector organisations to undertake local activities.

The council will also work in partnership with the Capital Community Foundation to attract business donations to the Westminster Fund. This will enable grants and other funding to be made available to local groups.

The council will no longer administer the Annual Revenue Grants round. Instead, a number of the services that were funded through this grant will be commissioned through a procurement process to ensure that our resources are targeted effectively and give greater certainty to providers. Decisions concerning the future commissioning intentions of most services will be made shortly once budgets for 2011-12 are finalised.

I am also pleased to announce that the council will continue to invest in voluntary and community sector support services. £200,000 has been allocated for this purpose.

Voluntary and community sector organisations who want advice about other funding opportunities can contact Voluntary Action Westminster (VAW). More information can be found at www.vawcvs.org or phone 020 7723 1216.