The Derbyshire County Council Conservative Group has voiced concerns over the new Reform UK administration’s review of the Members’ Community Leadership Scheme (MCLS) — a scheme that has served as a lifeline for countless grassroots projects across the county.
The MCLS allows local councillors to directly support small-scale but vital initiatives in their communities. While the previous Conservative administration halved the funding in a responsible move to reduce Council costs, it was preserved due to its direct and tangible benefits to local people.
Cllr Alex Dale, Leader of the Conservative Group at the County Council, said:
“Putting this scheme under review is worrying and suggests Reform are clearly unaware of the positive impact it’s had on Derbyshire communities. This isn’t about political point-scoring — this is about real support for real people doing good things in their local areas.”
Far from being superfluous or symbolic spending, the scheme has funded a wide range of practical and meaningful local projects, including:
Speed Indicator Devices to improve road safety
Hidden cameras to catch and deter fly-tipping
War memorial cleaning and repairs
Funding for defibrillators
Christmas Day lunches for elderly residents spending the day alone
Extra books for school libraries
Village notice boards and village hall improvements
Support for well dressings and village galas
Assistance for sports teams and a wide variety of local community groups
Cllr Wayne Major, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, added:
“It’s incredibly disappointing to see the future of this scheme placed in doubt. For many community groups, this has been the only funding available to help them make a real difference. Scrapping or weakening the scheme would be a huge step backwards.”
Despite Reform UK’s public messaging in the recent elections around "Family, Community, Country", reviewing this scheme sends a contradictory signal — one that devalues the very community spirit they claim to stand for.
The Conservative Group is urging the administration to think again and protect this vital source of grassroots support.
“We’re calling on Reform UK to listen to the groups who’ve benefitted from this funding and keep it in place,” said Cllr Dale. “This scheme reflects what local government should be about — supporting communities at the heart of our county.”
If you share our concerns, then please sign our petition below and tell us what you think!
