£732,000 from LEZ penalties to fund community-led environmental projects
Environment-enhancing projects from across Glasgow will share £732,000, as penalties collected through the city's Low Emission Zone are poured back into local communities.
Projects include improvements to children's play areas, free bike provision, establishing food growing spaces and enhancements to greenspaces.
Other initiatives involve peatland restoration, installing solar panels, air quality education projects, urban rewilding, and wildflower meadow planting.
Cllr Angus Millar Convener for Transport and Climate said that with funding now secured, the groups can deliver a wide range of local initiatives - all focused on improving Glasgow's environment.
He added: "With £732,000 available to support a broad range of local environmental projects this year, the LEZ Community Support Fund will make a real difference.
"Organisations such as volunteer groups, community councils, housing associations, and those advocating for a cleaner, greener and healthier environment have all secured vital funding.
"Combined with £250,000 already committed to tree planting and greening activities, almost £1million of LEZ income will be invested into Glasgow, meaning we can deliver both cleaner air and greener streets in the city centre and beyond."
The LEZ Community Support Fund received over 60 applications, totalling £2.3million in funding bids, demonstrating the potential of the fund to support community initiatives.
Some 18 projects worth £620,409 were recommended for funding following a robust assessment process, with final approvals made today by the City Administration Committee.
With £732,000 of residual LEZ penalty revenue currently allocated to the fund, the balance of £111,591 will be made available for a fresh round of funding applications later this year.
You can read the LEZ Community Support Fund update report presented to committee on 27 March 2025 by clicking on this link.
Funding Awards
The Low Emission Zone Community Support Fund was open for applications during December 2024 and January 2025.
Funding awards were subsequently made to 18 organisations to progress individual projects:
- Cassiltoun Housing Association - Get Active in Castlemilk Park
- Common Wheel - Build Your Own Bike and Beyond
- Garthamlock, Craigend & Gartloch Community Council - Growing a Greener Future
- Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT) - The Air We Breathe
- Glasgow Eco Trust - Community Centred Climate Action
- Glasgow Kelvin College - Climate Engagement Learning Garden
- Global Action Plan UK - Glasgow Healthcare for Cleaner Air
- Govan Community Project (GCP) - Bike Library
- North West Glasgow Voluntary Sector Network - Plugged-In
- Parents for Future Scotland (PfFS) - Glasgow Children's Air Pollution Programme
- Parkhead Housing Association - Parkhead Housing Association's Community Gardens
- Queens Cross Housing Association - LEZ Go Play: Vibrant, Healthy and Sustainable City Play Spaces
- Shawlands Primary Parent Council - Shawlands Primary School Garden: Reclaiming our Space
- St Paul's Youth Forum - Flourish through Cycling
- The Conservation Volunteers - Seven Lochs: Communities Connecting with Nature
- Wheatley Foundation - Urban rewilding project
- Willowacre Trust - Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction Project for Barrowfield Community Centre
- Women on Wheels - Pedal Forward
Full details of each project and the sum awarded can be found by clicking on this link.
Glasgow's Low Emission Zone
Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force on 1 June 2023.
Unless exempt, all vehicles entering the city centre zone area must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.
Revenue from LEZ penalty charges must first support scheme operating costs, with any residual income allocated to funding projects which provide benefits that tie in with LEZ objectives.
You can read more about Glasgow's LEZ here.
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