MORE than £30,000 of cash earmarked for good causes was handed back to Surrey County Council last year after not being allocated by councillors.

Nearly half a million pounds was available for the 81 elected members of the county council to award as grants to local projects and charities within their districts.

A total of £37,983.58 however was not spent and returned to council coffers.

The Members’ Allocation Grants are allocated annually with county councillors allowed to use the cash to support initiatives that have a community benefit in their ward or district.

For 2017/18 members were given £6,000 to spend. The amount for 2018/19 has dropped to £5,000. Members have a separate pot of £7,500 they can spend on highways.

In a list of how the cash was spent last financial year, Christmas tree and light requests plus applications from Scouts and Girlguiding groups proved popular.

A total of £14,869 was spent on Scout, Beaver and Guides groups for camping equipment, mini-buses or facilities for their halls.

Nearly £45,000 was handed out to various different organisations, schools, nurseries, parish councils and charities working to promote gardening, improving green spaces or gardens.

And £29,2676.70 was spent on highways and bridleways cleaning signage and clearing verges.

Christmas was boosted by councillors who forked out £12,815.23 for trees, lights and fairs for the festive season.

Groups can apply for a grant so long as they fit the criteria for applications. The deadline is January 31, 2019.

The funding can be used for one-off activities that cost just a few pounds or contribute to projects that cost much more.

To apply, contact your local county councillor to discuss your project.