Almost £4000 in community grants were awarded by the Clydesdale Area Committee at South Lanarkshire Council last week.
All six applicants received the full funding they requested due to a surplus of funds.
Councillors at the committee meeting agreed to grant the applicants their full requested funding instead of the initial awarded amount due to having extra money.
Councillor Catherine McClymont said: “I think, if it is in the proper criteria and the group is allowed to get the full amount requested, why not give them it?
“We should explain to the groups that due to this year being a bit different, we have managed to give them the full award this time, they shouldn’t expect it every year, that shouldn’t be too problematic in my mind.”
Councillor Alex Wilson agreed to award groups the full amount: “We’ve got extra money carried over to assist with COVID recovery.
“I would propose right now that we give one hundred per cent of what is being asked, and if we need to reduce later on in the year, which is unlikely, that is what we have done in the past.”
Councillor Eric Hoffman said: “The position that we are in right now, we should exercise our discretion.
“However, the criteria should remain the same, generally, going forward.”
The purpose of the community grant is to fund activities and projects that bring a benefit to the community and to bring communities together to enjoy recreational and educational activities.
Recipients of the grant include the Coulter Women’s Rural Institute, which was awarded £250 for an outing, and the Lanark Choral Society which received £650.
The Biggar and District Men’s Shed, which aims to reduce isolation and loneliness in older men received £1000 for equipment.
Other groups include Lanark Community Development Trust which got £1000, Crawfordjohn Heritage Venture Trust which received £430 and Braehead Village Trust was funded £500.
The community grants can be provided as support for a range of activities and groups including outings and entrance fees, admin fees, start-up costs and special events.
