Rural Community Buildings Loan Fund

ACRE manages the rural community buildings loan fund on behalf of Defra. The rural community buildings loan fund aims to provide assistance with:

• Provision of a new building either to replace an existing one or provide one
  where none exists
• Extending, renovating and converting an existing building
• Upgrading a building to meet fire standards, building regulations, security
  needs and similar legislative requirements
• Improving accessibility and making other similar changes that will enable
  new uses and services
• To support measures that increase energy efficiency

Village hall advisers are required to assess projects before they are submitted to ACRE for approval. The following points have to be taken into account:

• Loans of up to £20,000 are usually available. Larger loans can be considered
  particularly where needed as bridging finance.
• The loan should be for a freehold or leasehold property, with a minimum of
  21 years left on the agreement. Alternative arrangements can be considered provided
  security of tenure can be clearly demonstrated.
• Local funds for the project should be available to contribute at least 10% of the
  overall project costs.
• Loans do not have to be secured or guaranteed.
• The loan repayment, together with interest, can be repaid within either 5 or 8 years.
• There are no penalties for early repayment of grant; additional payments are
  welcomed by ACRE.

Application form

Guidance notes

Rural Community Buildings Loan Fund case studies