FIFE communities near landfill sites will reap the benefits from increased funding under plans outlined by finance secretary John Swinney.

Projects in areas within 10 miles of a landfill site or waste transfer station will be eligible to apply for funding, which is financed through a tax credit system.

Currently, community groups are awarded grants by the UK Landfill Communities Fund but in Scotland this will be replaced by the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund on 1st April, with the Scottish Government proposing to increase the tax credit limit by 10 per cent.

Since the first award from the UK Landfill Communities Fund made in 1998, Fife communities have benefited from more than £8.5million in grants from the Fife Environment Trust, with the most common projects being improvements to public parks, restoration of listed buildings and projects to enhance biodiversity. Notable examples in the region have been the creation of countryside footpaths, wildflower meadows, natural play areas, skatepark facilities, restoration of war memorials and improvements to village halls.

The total amount of money the Fife Environment Trust can distribute as grants depends on the how much waste is sent to each landfill site. The standard rate for funding is £82.60 per tonne for active waste and £2.60 per tonne for ‘inert waste’, which is considered to have a minimal environmental impact and therefore charges a lower rate.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said, “Those living close to landfill sites can experience some detrimental impacts which is why this fund will provide for communities or environmental projects in the vicinity of land sites.

“By increasing the tax credit allowance by 10 per cent over the UK model we are enhancing the role of the communities fund and increasing the funding available to address environmental harm without increasing the burden of taxation.”