CLASP November newsletter

Funding - Regional Support Summary

CLASP Funding
The next closing date for the CLASP Local Partnerships Small Projects Fund is Wednesday 6th January. Only 1 more funding round will follow (April 2010) and early applications are encouraged. At present significant funding remains available for innovative projects that will have strong benefits for the wider CLASP network, as well as the partnership receiving the grant. Click here to find out more. To discuss ideas ahead of submission please contact ailsa@clasp-nw.info

NWIEP Capital Fund - £3.7million available
Following the Government's announcement last month, the NW Improvement and Efficiency Partnership has £3.7 million to invest in innovative capital projects that will meet its priorities. In a series of 'X Dens' around the North West, a panel of experts will hear pitches from organisations with innovative ideas for improvement and efficiency projects. Full details will appear on the NWIEP website shortly, or email Janet.Appleton@wiganmbc.gov.uk and ask to be kept informed.

Local Improvement Advisors
A growing number of CLASP member authorities have now received LIA support, or are applying, with a 100% success rate so far. Click here to find out more about this easy-to-access support service.
 

Mietool Efficiencies Calculator
The North West Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (NWIEP) has made a major new resource, Mietool, available to North West authorities to assist with the efficiency and improvement agenda. The resource, an easy-to-use Excel spreadsheet that can be used at every stage of the project lifecycle from options appraisal to benefits tracking, helps to measure the efficiency impacts of projects and to provide data for the efficiency Performance Indicator. To gain access email Janet.Appleton@wiganmbc.gov.uk
 

CLASP Funding Event - Summary Online
Last week saw CLASP and Envirolink join forces to deliver a low-carbon funding event for Local Authorities. Presentations and information from Envirolink, Salix, Cenex, CLASP and more can be found by following this link.

Funding - Transport & Travel Initiatives

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Grants
DfT is making available up to £1million to support the local installation of alternative fuel infrastructure. This will be available (in the form of 50% project cost grants) via 4 call-windows, until March 2011. To find out more view this presentation from last week's CLASP event, or visit www.cenex.co.uk/igp

Low Emissions Strategies Funding
Phase 2 of the Low Emissions Strategies Partnership has secured £400,000 to provide funding and support for organisations to develop and implement Low Emission Strategies. Applications are invited from groups of local authorities and other organisations located broadly within the same geographical area. Sefton and Wigan were involved in Phase 1 of this programme, it would be great to see more NW authorities in Phase 2. Click here to find out more.

New Guidance to Support LTP3
The government has published Delivering sustainable low carbon travel: an essential guide for local authorities.The guide builds on the lessons from the Sustainable Travel Demonstration Towns and aims to help deliver sustainable low carbon travel for local authorities considering the third round of Local Transport Plans (LTPs). This document supports the LTP guidance published in July 2009 by explaining sustainable travel and exploring how programmes could be implemented through LTPs.

NI 185 - CRC Update
On the 7th October 2009 DECC released its response to the earlier consultation on the Draft Order to Implement the Carbon Reduction Commitment. A number of key clarifications and changes have been made. In case this document wasn't on your bedtime reading list the London Energy Project have produced a simple summary outlining the key changes. Remember you can also click here to find out how to access the CLASP sponsored LA specific Carbon Reduction Toolkit produced by LEP.

NI 188 - Members' Adaptation Network
The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) has launched a learning network on adaptation to climate change for councillors. Any elected members who are responsible for, or interested in, climate change, economic development, environment, planning and regeneration are free to join.

The network is holding three meetings in the next three months:
• 11 December 2009 (hotter and drier summers)
• 29 January 2010 (warmer and wetter winters)
• February 2010 (tbc).

To join, or for more information, click here or contact Joyce Lee, joyce.lee@lgiu.org.uk 020 7554 2831.

CLASP Events in December

Networking and Focus Groups
8th December (Preston) & 9th December (Manchester)

* Share experiences with officers from around the region
* Discuss progress on National Indicators 185, 186 & 188
* Raise issues and support needs
* Shape the future of the CLASP support programme

The sessions will be facilitated by Gill Fenna and Louise Marix-Evans from Quantum Strategy and Technology, and will be attended by CLASP, GONW and NWDA.

The same session will run twice, in two different locations:

Date: Tuesday 8th December
Time: 9.30 - 13.00
Locality: Preston
Venue: Gujarat Hindu Society
10 mins walk from Preston station
Directions will be sent 1 week prior to the event
Note: A hot lunch will be provided.
To book to attend in PRESTON click here

Date: Wednesday 9th December
Time: 12.30 - 16.00
Locality: Manchester
Venue: YHA Manchester, Potato Wharf
5 - 10 mins walk from Deansgate station
10 - 15 mins walk from Christmas markets
Directions will be sent 1 week prior to the event
Note: A buffet lunch will be available from 12.30
To book to attend in MANCHESTER click here

Bookings should be made online by clicking the links. You will be sent the agenda for the session, anticipated attendance list and directions 1 week prior to the event.

CLASP Member Leadership Academy
2nd & 3rd December
Due to a cancellation 1 place has become available on the CLASP/IDeA Climate Change Leadership Academy, which is a fully funded residential course taking place on the 2nd & 3rd December. If you know of a member who would like to attend please show them this flyer and ask them to email ailsa@clasp-nw.info

Partner Events
24th November Salford Quays
Waste and Sustainable Procurement: the road to resource efficient low carbon buildings
Envirolink and the NW Strategic Waste Forum partners are hosting a Local Authority focused event on resource efficient and low carbon buildings. Click here to find out more.

11th December London
Making Cuts Work for Sustainable Development
Forum for the Future will be hosting an afternoon seminar on Dec 11th for LA and other public sector partners to discuss the challenges that will face Local and Regional Authorities in future budget rounds. You are invited to attend, or to speak if you would like to contribute. For more information click here or email Richard Roaf