EB Northern Ireland
Overview
What is the LCF?
The Landfill Communities Fund is intended to encourage partnerships between the landfill operators (LOs), local authorities, the local community and voluntary organisations to promote environmental projects. Landfill operators can donate up to 6.33% of their tax liability to approved environmental bodies who can carry out those projects.
Funding Categories
Category A:
The reclamation, remediation or restoration, or any other operation that facilitates the economic, social or environmental use of land where it has been prevented or restricted because of previous use. A site need not be contaminated to qualify for contributions. The creation of new wildlife habitats or public parks; redevelopment; or, other environmental or amenity improvements; are examples of projects that would qualify for contributions. No benefit must accrue to any person who carried out or knowingly permitted the previous use.
Category B:
Where it is for the protection of the environment, any community based recycling, re-use and waste prevention projects on a strictly not for profit basis.
Category C:
Where it is for the protection of the environment, the provision, maintenance or improvement of a public park or other public amenity in Scotland in the vicinity of a landfill site (i.e. within 10 miles).
Category D:
Where it is for the protection of the environment, the conservation or promotion of biological diversity through:
(i) the provision, conservation, restoration or enhancement of a natural habitat; or
(ii) the maintenance or recovery of a species in its natural habitat,
- on land or in water situated in the vicinity of a landfill site
Category E:
Where it is for the protection of the environment, the maintenance, repair or restoration of a building or other structure which is a place of religious worship or of historic or architectural interest. Such places must be open to the general public. They must be located within the vicinity of a landfill site or transfer station (i.e. within 10 miles) and must not be operated with a view to profit.
Funding Criteria
The Landfill Communities Fund will cease in Scotland from 31st March 2017, so EBS will no longer be involved in the UK LCF after that date. Until that time, the following applies to both EBS and EBNI who consider various criteria when deciding whether to fund a project;
1. Entrust Approval
It is important that the Landfill Communities Fund regulations are complied with. The preference is for EBS or EBNI to carry the project registration, ensuring full project compliance.
2. Best Value
In line with guidelines, it is important that best value is achieved. In order that this is so, careful scrutiny will take place of proposed expenditure and contractual procedures. EBS and EBNI would normally expect recipients of funds to enter into a contract to deliver the project.
3. Credibility
EBS and EBNI carefully vet all applicants as to their suitability to carry out proposed projects. This not only ensures compliance, but also that the necessary skills and experience are available to projects.
4. Complimentary
EBS and EBNI are keen to avoid duplication and encourage synergy, so it is important that projects 'fit' with the wider portfolio of projects in which we are involved.
5. Subject:
EBS and EBNI generally seek projects which enhance community assets or biodiversity and novel and significant approaches are welcome.
These are general comments from EBS to explain their position and development, however, they encourage contact from any source as they will help direct applicants appropriately if they cannot be directly involved ourselves.