The council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are again pleased to invite funding bids for projects and work that will help shape Cheltenham’s night time economy in to a safe, diverse and well managed place for everybody to enjoy.

Cheltenham’s late night levy has been in place or more than a year now and it has funded some exciting and innovative projects in the last twelve months.

The Late Night Levy fund will support projects that help towards the following outcomes:

– Promoting a greater diversity in the night time economy

– Supporting better management of licensed premises and public spaces

– Working together to support safe movement through the night time economy

– Working together to reduce alcohol related health harms by preventing vulnerability, promoting safe drinking limits and reducing pre-loading and/or

– Working together to promote a clean environment

The aim is to support a range of projects and activities across Cheltenham and funding will vary based upon the nature of each application. Grants can cover a range of costs such as practical work, equipment and materials as well as awareness raising, marketing and promotion and training.

Cheltenham was the second town in England to introduce a late night levy in April 2014. The money raised from it contributes towards the costs of managing the late night economy. Projects funded by Cheltenham’s Late Night Levy (LNL) so far are already having a positive impact on the town’s night time economy, making it a safer and more welcoming place for residents and visitors. Some of these include:

• The introduction of the body worn CCTV cameras worn by the town’s taxi marshals – these have proven to be an effective means of deterring potential trouble makers.

• The university has expanded its student community patrol work and is planning an additional night to provide support to fellow students out enjoying Cheltenham’s night life.

• Funding provided to the St Paul’s Street Watch has enabled the group to purchase night safe radios to keep in touch with what is happening in the town.

• Work to get Purple Flag accreditation for the town.

Application forms will be available on request by contacting the Police and Crime Commissioner’s commissioning team from 1 December 2015 with the deadline for applications being 5pm, Friday 29 January 2016.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said:

“Cheltenham has a vibrant night-time economy that far exceeds other towns of similar sizes. An active night-time economy demands additional resource and cost for the council, police and other partners to deal with associated crime, disorder and other anti-social behaviour.

“We are already beginning to see the positive impact that money raised through the late night levy is having on Cheltenham’s night time economy. 

“This year we are looking for some really innovative approaches and proposals to deal with some of the issues associated with the management of the night time economy.”

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl, added:

“The Late Night Levy has already been used to fund a wide and imaginative range of schemes.  These have not only helped reduce pressure on both police and council resources, but also contributed to make the town an even safer, friendlier place.
 
“Cheltenham is rightly known for what it has to offer through its night-time economy and it’s important that all interested parties make a contribution to maintaining that reputation.
 
“I hope as many as possible will take advantage of the Late Night Levy when the bidding re-opens.”

There are no restrictions on who can apply for the late night levy fund. The maximum term for funding will not exceed one year however funded projects may reapply the following year if further funding is required. To find out more see the LNL Funding FAQs. From 1 December you can request an application form by emailing the Police and Crime Commissioner’s commissioning team.