New voluntary contributions scheme to focus on helping children and young people

Last year it agreed to consult with residents about setting up a new charitable trust to take donations from higher band council taxpayers and others should they wish to contribute more to help those who may be suffering hardship.

The consultation revealed that there was a high level of support for the proposal, with 69 per cent of respondents in favour of the council introducing such a system.

The new charitable trust has now been set up to manage the voluntary contribution scheme. It is a registered charity and will be independent from the council, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Deputy Lieutenant of Wandsworth, Mrs Colleen Harris.

The Trust is asking for help to fund projects that will directly benefit communities and drive improvements within the borough. Based on the consultation it will focus first on supporting Children and Young People, particularly in the areas of helping children thrive in their education and helping young people into employment, supporting their mental health and assisting with healthy choices and activities such as sport.

Donations, for example, could allow the Trust to support a range of groups which promote getting active, from football and boxing to cycling and dance.

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for finance, resources and climate sustainability Cllr Kim Caddy said: “We are delighted to be setting up a scheme that gives those residents who want to pay a little more to help others, the opportunity to do so.

“We have seen over the last two years an incredible generosity of spirit from our residents. It is no surprise that many of our residents have expressed a desire to have a mechanism in place that would allow them to pay a little more to help others, particularly those who may be suffering as we come out of the pandemic.

“The Trust will serve as a channel for those who want to help and I’m delighted that by keeping our council tax bills at the lowest possible levels, we are able to create these circumstances for people to be able to do this and support their local communities.”

• For more information about the Borough of Wandsworth Community Trust, the priority themes for this year, or to make a donation, go to: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/wandsworth-community-trust  Donations can also be made via cheques made payable to The Borough of Wandsworth Community Trust sent to Wandsworth Community Trust, Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PU.