Local Authorities

Local Authority Support FAQs - General

General Questions

Our authority falls outside your stated priority categories, is it worth us applying for support?
We may be able to offer advisory support (technical or communications) to authorities outside our target groups subject to demand and capacity.  However, it is unlikely we will allocate communications funding to authorities outside these target categories.

We fall into one of the three priority groups described in the Guidance Notes, can we get support?
Yes – we want to work with authorities who fall into any of those groups, you don't need to be in all three.

Is there a deadline for applications?
There is no deadline for Requests for Support and the programme is open for applications now. Our funding is linked to specific financial years, however, and we need to ensure that allocations of resources are made in good time to complete work this year. This is particularly true where part of the request is for communications funding. Early applications are encouraged if you wish to be considered for communications funding this year.  We expect to be reaching decisions on requests that involve funding from June.

Is there a separate application form for communications funding?
No. We want to keep the process simple and make sure that the work we propose to do will be the most appropriate to individual authorities’ needs, so there is a simple, single ‘Request for Support’ application which covers ALL types of support – operational, communications and waste prevention advice and communications funding. We will follow up these requests with discussions to identify the appropriate types of support.

How much funding is available this year?
Overall budget for 2008/09 is £6.5 million. We anticipate that this will be split approximately 50:50 between advisory support and training, and funding for local communications campaigns.  We anticipate having similar levels of funding for 2009/10 and 2010/11.  We do want to retain some flexibility in how this funding is best used.

We have no funding for collection/recycling infrastructure.

Can we get support for both recycling and waste prevention activities?
Potentially, yes.

Can Third Sector organisations apply for support?
Third Sector organisations will not be able to apply directly for support, however, we anticipate that in some local authority areas the community sector will be working in partnership with local councils to deliver services or run communications campaigns. Requests for support from local authorities that involve community sector partners are encouraged.

If we get technical or communications advice (and no direct funding), are there any obligations on us?
Yes – any authority we support will need to sign a Support Agreement which places certain obligations on you and us to deliver. Although we make no charge to authorities for the advice and support we can give, we expect authorities to work with us in a spirit of mutual cooperation and willingness to consider and use the advice and information we provide. It is important that you consider and set aside enough staff time to provide information, attend meetings, etc as necessary. The Support Agreement will need to be signed off by a senior member of staff (e.g. Head of Service or equivalent). Please contact lgs@wrap.org.uk if you wish to see a sample Support Agreement.

Can we apply for support more than once?
Yes – but you should only submit one application at a time.

We have received ROTATE and/or local communications funding in the past (BCLF) can we apply again?
Yes – but please note the priority areas for support outlined in the Guidance Notes.

Can we have support over more than one financial year?
Yes – advisory support and communications funding will be available throughout the three years of the programme (subject to continued Defra funding). For example, we may give you communications advice this year (2008/9) but the communications funding is allocated in 2009/10 when you roll out a new service. Any funding awarded will need to be spent in the year it is allocated as we cannot roll funding over if unspent.