Council bosses have set out plans to reinstate community forum funding, with more than £240,000 earmarked for small community bids and events.

The local authority has historically utilised the funding to support community projects, but funding has not been available this year due to budget pressures.

Although work to balance the books is ongoing, it is hoped the reinstatement of community forum funding will be a welcomed boost to local groups and activities.

If the budget is approved at cabinet and full council, the funding will go towards small community bids and community events, including Christmas trees, lighting and Christmas events, with the exact split yet to be confirmed.

Councillor James Clinton, cabinet member responsible for community funding, said: “Like many local authorities we face ongoing budget pressures, and this is why we took the difficult decision not to have community forum funding this financial year.

“We are pleased that the proposed budget for 25/26 puts us on track for safer footing with our finances and we are now able to reinstate this grassroots funding for the next financial year.

“We hope that up to £240k will be available and this will be split between small community bids and events.”

Community groups are still able to apply for other funding through Dudley Council’s match funded project with spacehive.