South Cambridgeshire Council Launches Grant for Villages’ Net Zero Transition

Funding has been made available to assist rural communities in becoming low carbon and more resilient to the effects of climate change. The Net Zero Villages grant scheme, created by South Cambridgeshire District Council, offers a total funding pot of just over £362,000. This initiative, funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, will provide grants ranging from £20,000 to £100,000 to support “transformative, community-led projects”. Eligible projects include renewable energy and sustainable transport schemes, with applications required by 26 January. The council stated that the grant scheme is designed to help villages take “meaningful steps towards reaching net zero and securing a more sustainable future”. It will fund capital projects under specified themes. The council indicated that eligible projects must improve community assets and reduce carbon emissions, citing examples such as retrofitting village halls, enhancing public transport access, or implementing green infrastructure. The grant is open to community groups, parish councils, and rural businesses across South Cambridgeshire. Villages outside the Cambridge built-up area are eligible, but urban areas like Milton, Histon, Impington, and Teversham are not eligible for the funding. Brian Milnes, the council’s Liberal Democrat cabinet member for the environment, described the scheme as “a fantastic opportunity to transform our district’s villages into greener, cleaner, and more sustainable communities”. He added, “By securing funding through this scheme, you can make a lasting impact and invest in the future of your community.” Further details on the scheme, workshops, and eligibility criteria are accessible on the council’s website.