Glasgow's LEZ Community Support Fund Reopens with £732,000 in Funding

Strategic Insights -

The city's LEZ Community Support Fund has reopened for a fresh round of applications, offering grants of £20,000 to £50,000 to support local projects that improve air quality, cut climate change emissions, or enhance Glasgow's amenity. The fund is backed by income from Low Emission Zone penalty charges, with over £600,000 already shared between 18 organisations whose projects aim to protect the climate and improve city air quality. With a remaining £111,591 available, the fund will undoubtedly make a difference to even more organisations looking to get an initiative off the ground.

Key Takeaways:

  • The LEZ Community Support Fund offers grants of £20,000 to £50,000 to support local projects that improve air quality, cut climate change emissions, or enhance Glasgow's amenity.
  • The fund is backed by income from Low Emission Zone penalty charges, with over £600,000 already shared between 18 organisations.
  • Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday, October 6, 2025, for a chance to receive funding.
  • Over £600,000 has already been shared between 18 organisations whose projects aim to protect the climate and improve city air quality.
  • The fund has supported a wide range of impactful projects, including improvements to children's play areas, free bike provision, food-growing spaces, and enhancements to local greenspaces.
  • Residual LEZ penalty revenue allocated to the fund stands at £732,000, with £111,591 remaining available for the latest round of applications.
  • Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Transport and Climate, welcomed the fund reopening, citing significant improvements in air quality since the introduction of the LEZ.
  • The fund is open to a broad range of groups, including charities, housing associations, community interest companies, universities, and voluntary sector organisations.

Statistics:

  • The LEZ Community Support Fund has allocated over £620,409 to 18 organisations since its launch.
  • The fund has supported a wide range of impactful projects, including:

+ Improvements to children's play areas (£42,500)

+ Free bike provision (£20,000)

+ Food-growing spaces (£25,000)

+ Enhancements to local greenspaces (£40,000)

  • Over 60 applications were submitted for the fund's inaugural launch.
  • The fund has received significant interest, with over £600,000 in applications received since its inception.
  • Glasgow's Low Emission Zone has led to significant improvements in air quality, with nitrogen dioxide levels in the city centre dropping by one-third since its introduction.
  • Revenue from LEZ penalty charges must first support scheme operating costs, with any residual income allocated to funding projects that tie in with LEZ objectives.

Sources:

  • Glasgow City Council
  • UK Government
  • Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Transport and Climate
  • Glasgow's Low Emission Zone update report presented to committee on 27 March 2025
  • LEZ Community Support Fund update report
  • 'Plugged In' case study