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Dunstable Town Council has approved a new round of four-year Service Level Agreements (SLAs), providing continued financial support to local organisations that deliver valuable services and activities for residents across the town.
The decision was made at the meeting of the Community Services Committee on 1 June 2026, where members agreed to award funding totalling £23,200 over four years to four organisations that have demonstrated a positive impact on the local community.
The approved funding will support:
- Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) – £2,000 per year (£8,000 over four years)
- Dunstable Citizens Advice – £2,000 per year (£8,000 over four years)
- Dunstable Town Band – £1,000 per year (£4,000 over four years)
- Dunstable Town Guides – £800 per year (£3,200 over four years)
These Service Level Agreements will support local organisations to continue delivering services that benefit Dunstable residents, support community wellbeing and contribute to the town’s cultural and social life. Officers met with each organisation to review the impact of their existing agreements and to assess how continued funding would help them deliver their services in the years ahead.
BRCC will use the funding to support activities at Dunstable Community Halls, including the Thursday drop-in café, to develop the Community Garden and Welcome Space, based at Dunstable Community Halls and it’s growing You Can Do It! Project, helping residents improve their wellbeing and stay connected, both in person and digitally.
Funding for Dunstable Citizens Advice will enable the continuation of evening advice sessions, providing support for working residents who may otherwise struggle to access services during standard opening hours. Demand for the sessions remains high, with the service reaching residents who may previously have been unable to seek assistance.
The agreement with Dunstable Town Band will help cover essential running costs and support performances at Town Council events, while funding for Dunstable Town Guides will help keep activities affordable, support volunteers and continue to attract visitors to Priory House and other heritage activities across the town. The Town Guides engaged with more than 770 people through guided walks in 2025, while their popular Tea Time Tales events sold approximately 2,000 tickets during the year.
"Dunstable is fortunate to have a dedicated network of voluntary and community organisations that make a real difference to the lives of our residents every day. These Service Level Agreements will help ensure that important services, community activities and cultural opportunities continue to be available across the town for years to come. On behalf of Dunstable Town Council, I would like to thank all the organisations and volunteers involved for their continued commitment to supporting our community." Town Mayor of Dunstable Cllr Richard Attwell
The funding supports the Council’s vision of making Dunstable a better place to live, work and visit, while helping to create a vibrant town, strengthen community pride and improve opportunities and services for residents.
Are you a voluntary or community organisation delivering a service, activity or project that benefits Dunstable residents? Do you have plans to expand your work or introduce something new that will make a positive difference locally? Dunstable Town Council’s SLA provide longer-term funding support to help organisations grow, develop and continue serving the community. To find out more about available funding opportunities and how to apply, visit: Your Community – Dunstable Town Council
Not yet formally established but have a great idea that could benefit the local community? The Council’s Seedcorn Grant Scheme is designed to help new groups and community projects get off the ground. Grants of up to £500 are available to support start-up costs such as equipment, publicity, training, insurance or room hire. Whether you’re looking to launch a new community group, run a local event or develop a project that brings people together, the Seedcorn Grant could provide the vital first step. To find out more and apply, visit: Your Community – Dunstable Town Council
