#community-funding

#community-funding

Deposit Re-Turn Scheme feels like just another tax heaped on people who were already doing what they could Sometimes, something can be a good idea and you can still hate it. Like the Deposit Re-turn Scheme. It's a resounding success. There has been a marked reduction in litter and an unexpected financial boost for community groups, clubs and enterprising individuals who have realised that discarded cans and bottles can be collected and money made.

The workers are concerned that government hints of tough times could mean funding for their services - and ultimately their jobs - is in jeopardy. Working hours have already been cut, Siptu divisional organiser Brendan O'Brien said. He added that a rural development programme in Kerry is seeking a 50pc reduction in hours by next year. There are also pressures on payroll at a community employment scheme in Wexford that have led to discussions about headcount and pay after recent reductions in material grants.

Normally, when a large project receives planning approval, the local council can seek funding from the developer to contribute to local improvements, typically in the form of transport and services. That's in part to ensure that more people moving into an area don't overwhelm local doctors, schools and transport. The London Eye was somewhat unique in that it was an unproven, and at the time, temporary entertainment venue whose success or failure was uncertain.

If Blackpool was a stick of rock, Little Layton would be a ribbon of pink in the middle. To its left, the deep red of rundown bedsits near the promenade. To its right, the plush green streets of Poulton Le Fylde, where 1m mansions overlook a well-tended golf club. That is to say, Little Layton is one of the nicer parts of Blackpool.

It was not an easy decision for the event's nonprofit organizer, Think!Chinatown, to call it quits after this year's two Chinatown Night Markets - one in July and the other this August. This year's night markets almost didn't happen after corporate funders backed away. The $10,000 in hard costs per night market was covered at the last minute by local funding sources Send Chinatown Love (which itself shut down its operations in June) and Trinity Church.

Southwark's plans for a tourist tax could generate over 2 million in revenue, aimed at funding community safety measures and maintaining local attractions.