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<p>In March 2018 Government announced a new four year, £23 million programme to help
communities develop neighbourhood plans. Neighbourhood planning groups can access
a range of free help, including financial support and planning expertise from trained
professionals to guide them through the neighbourhood planning process.</p><p>The
maximum grant available to communities has been increased since the previous programme
by £2,000 to £17,000, with eligibility criteria for further professional support now
more focussed on the complexity of the proposed plan being developed, rather than
the composition of the group. Under the 2018-2022 support programme, specialist support
is available to unparished groups to help local people build up knowledge and achieve
designation as a Neighbourhood Forum. All groups can also be considered for specific
‘facilitation’ support to overcome some of the unique challenges they face as they
progress their plan.</p><p>Over 2,400 communities across England have started the
process of neighbourhood planning, with over 600 plans approved in local referendums.
No impact assessment was prepared for the 2018-2022 neighbourhood planning support
programme, however achieving best value for money was a key consideration in designing
the programme and the eligibility criteria.</p>
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