Community schemes in Tower Hamlets have been given a £12m funding boost.

The funding will go towards 110 new community projects and is part of Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman’s Community Grants Programme (MCGP) and will be divided between 86 voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.

The projects range from tackling the cost of living crisis to empowering communities and fighting crime.

Mr Rahman said: “Congratulations to all the successful organisations and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on our residents and communities. 

“We are proud to not only continue with, but actually increase the level of funding for our voluntary and community sector partners, in recognition of the crucial role that they play across our borough.”

The MCGP will support a wide range of organisations of all sizes in all parts of the borough, the council explained.

The annual levels of funding for each project range in size from the Advice Tower Hamlets project at £720,000, to the recommended £5,156 for the St Margaret’s House – The Children’s Making Tree Project.

Projects with funding are expected to run from November 2023 through to March 2027.

Unsuccessful applicants have the chance to bid for future council funding opportunities, including the £800,000 per year Small Grants Programme that is due to launch in the new year.

Cllr Saied Ahmed, cabinet member for resources and the cost of living, added: “The new grant funding package is great news for our local voluntary and community groups.

“It will support the excellent work that they do across our borough to create positive opportunities, and to improve the lives of our residents. 

“I’m pleased that we are able to support twice as many organisations as the previous scheme, which means that many more Tower Hamlets residents will benefit in the years ahead.”