“"We know the closure of Ability CIC has had a significant impact on some residents who relied on community transport to access essential services, attend appointments and remain connected to their communities. While no single organisation has been able to replicate the service previously provided, we are committed to working with local partners to help develop and strengthen community-led transport solutions that meet local needs. This funding presents an opportunity for community and faith groups, social enterprises, and town and parish councils to play a key role in supporting residents by expanding existing services or creating new ones. We encourage any eligible organisation that can help address these transport gaps and deliver benefits for local communities to apply."
West Northamptonshire Council Reopens Community Transport Grants
New funding round available to support local organisations in delivering vital transport services across the region.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a red brick building facade with diffused lighting, suggesting a public institution.
West Northamptonshire Council has reopened its Community Transport Grant Programme, offering funding and minibuses to support local organisations in providing essential transport services.
Organisations across West Northamptonshire are being invited to apply for funding and minibuses as the Council relaunches its Community Transport Grant Programme. This initiative aims to bolster local transport services that assist residents in reaching crucial appointments, engaging in activities, and maintaining connections with support networks.
The programme's relaunch follows extensive engagement, including discussions with Parish Councils and community transport providers, to understand current and future transport needs. While a direct replacement for the services previously offered by Ability CIC has not yet materialised, several organisations have shown interest in expanding their current offerings or introducing new provisions to address identified local requirements.
To facilitate the establishment of service viability and operating costs for potential providers, the grant programme is now open to all eligible organisations. The scheme also incorporates the four minibuses returned to the Council following the cessation of Ability CIC's operations, which applicants can integrate into their proposed transport services where suitable.
Proposals seeking funding, minibuses, or a combination of both, must demonstrate how they will help fill the transport gaps left by Ability CIC's closure and deliver tangible benefits to affected residents and communities.
This latest funding round makes available the remaining £101,000 from the programme. Previously, earlier this year, the Community Funding Grants Panel allocated £72,000 to existing voluntary car schemes and other community transport organisations operating within West Northamptonshire, including areas previously served by Ability CIC.
The deadline for submitting applications for this funding round is 10am on Monday, 23 November 2026. Interested parties can request an application form and guidance by emailing communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.
Based on information from the official source: West Northamptonshire Council (13/10/2026)
