ADVICE from the Low Carbon Dorset programme should continue when European funding comes to an end – even though the grants may end.

The team helps local businesses and community organisations by giving free technical advice, workshops, networking events, and low carbon grants.

The news about its likely future came after a question from Cllr Maria Roe (Colehill & Wimborne East) who wanted to know what would happen to the three-year project, paid for by the European Regional Fund. She said the funding was due to end in December next year with all the projects it funded having to be completed by June 2020.

“The programme has been extremely successful and has helped local businesses, the public sector and community organisations to realise projects which otherwise may not have come to fruition,” she said.

Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, Cllr Ray Bryan said a bid had been submitted to allow the work to continue for another two years, but if that was not successful council officers should be able to continue offering advice.

“Dorset Council is investing in additional staff for this team to support our climate change emergency work, and we would envisage that even if the recent funding bid is unsuccessful the team will have capacity to continue providing advice, networking opportunities and workshops to local businesses and community organisations,” he said. ~

The Low Carbon Dorset project offers technical advice and financial support to local business, community and public sector organisations to deliver carbon reduction projects in the county. This can include two days on site technical support and diagnostics to explore low carbon project ideas and opportunities, followed by on-going support to get the project off the ground.

Grants of between £5,000 and £250,000 are available for up to 40per cent of project costs, depending on the type of project and organisation. Regular low carbon workshops are also held throughout the county with the team also able to offer free detailed energy audits.