Our new report on the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme (LDTCS) showcases another year of community-led environmental projects making significant impact across Wales.
In its sixth year, the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme (LDTCS) has supported 31 new projects that tackle challenges from biodiversity loss to sustainable waste management and wider environmental enhancements.
By directing resources to communities within five miles of landfill or waste transfer stations, the scheme continues to build resilience and foster sustainable change. We’ve published the LDTCS 2023/24 annual report with example of what projects funded by LDTCS have achieved.
A YEAR OF POSITIVE IMPACT
Reflecting on the significance of these projects, Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, WCVA Chief Executive and Chair of the LDTCS Panel in 2023/24, said ‘This past year LDTCS has once again supported a wide range of inspiring projects, empowering people to take action to improve their local environment.’
‘It has been a privilege to witness the positive impact the scheme has had on communities, which could not have happened without the amazing work of all the volunteers who are at the heart of these initiatives.’
INSPIRING STORIES FROM FUNDED PROJECTS
The report includes a number of case studies, showcasing the diverse ways in which LDTCS funded projects are making a difference in communities.
- Community Clubhouse and Gardens transformed an unused area into an accessible green space, bringing the community together through regular workshops on gardening and beekeeping.
- ELITE Paper Solutions diverted over 220 tonnes of cardboard from landfill by creating eco-friendly animal bedding, providing work placements and skills development for disabled and disadvantaged people.
- Tillery Action for You revitalised local nature reserves and 19 abandoned allotments, creating habitats for native species and engaging volunteers in conservation activities.
- Carmarthen Youth Project engaged over 200 young people in environmental activities such as food growing and conservation, boosting young people’s skills and well-being.
- Neuadd Bentref Rhiwlas (Rhiwlas Village Hall) was transformed into a vibrant and accessible community hub, working with local groups to enhance green spaces with pollinator friendly plants.
- Gwyrddio Penarth Greening set up Penarth’s first Library of Things, enabling locals to borrow household items, diverting nearly two tonnes of waste from landfill and reducing the community’s carbon footprint.
- Platfform developed an accessible community allotment in Cardiff where older people and those with dementia can participate in gardening and beekeeping, fostering well-being and social connection.
- Cwmtwrch Rugby Football Club improved the energy efficiency of their building, enabling the club to spend more resources on expanding the use of the community hub to support local people.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
If you feel inspired to think about ways to improve the environment in your area, a new round of the Landfill Disposal Tax Communities scheme is now open for grants between £5,000 – £49,999.
The fund also offers a Nationally Significant grant, providing funding for one nationally significant project with a value of between £50,000 – £250,000 which will contribute to two or more of the fund’s themes.
For this round of LDTCS there are two windows to apply. This will enable applications to be assessed promptly when received.
- Window 1 closes on 20 December 2024
- Window 2 closes on 7 February 2025
For more information and to apply please visit our LDTCS webpage.
If you have any questions about LDTCS, please get in touch with the WCVA Grants Team at ldtgrants@wcva.cymru.