GRANTS of up to £10,000 are available to community groups thanks to a new scheme from Braintree Council.

The council has announced a new small grants scheme to support residents with the cost of living.

The two-tier grant scheme, launching on Monday, February 19, is offering microgrants of up to £1,000 and small grants of up to £10,000.

It forms part of the council’s £1million Cost of Living Fund launched in its budget last year from the council's New Homes Bonus allocation, a grant paid by central government to local councils which reflect and incentivise housing growth.

The council has committed this into a two-year programme to tackle the issues caused by the cost of living crisis.

Any non-profit community groups and services can apply as long as they can show that the project supports one of the main objectives of the Cost of Living Fund and benefits Braintree district residents.

The three main objectives of the fund are to provide food security and access to essential goods across the district making it easier for everyone to reach, to enable physical and emotional health and wellbeing for anyone struggling to afford access to leisure activities and sports clubs, and to help the most vulnerable by supporting community groups and organisations.

Council leader Graham Butland said: "I am very pleased we are launching our Cost of Living Fund which will provide grants to community groups who are helping others through this difficult time.

“This money will allow them to provide valuable help and support to the Braintree district community.”

Micro grant applications are open until the funding is spent and will be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Small grants applications will be open for eight weeks, closing on April 15.

Successful applicants of this grant will be announced following the closing date.

For more information or to apply, visit braintree.gov.uk/community/cost-living-grant-scheme.