THE district council has proposed cutting the amount of money it gives to talented sports people and artists by £4,000 - but insists a shake-up of the system will mean cash is better spent.

The authority currently dishes out £10,000 in grants every year for promising athletes, musicians and performers to help with their careers, but an internal review of the system has suggested that the scheme would be more efficient in cultivating talent by giving larger amounts of money to fewer people.

Under the current system, individuals can get paid up to £250 towards the costs of training, equipment and competition entry fees, but they also have to match the amount themselves.

Instead the council want to pay unconditional amounts varying between £750 and £1,500, merging the payouts with another bursary scheme it runs.

However the changes would mean less people would receive money and less cash in total would be given out each year.

A council report said that under the current system: “In respect of individual grants, the current maximum level of grant awarded per individual is insufficient to make a real difference to the applicant, in terms of their potential development.

“The current ‘open’ process for assessing applications throughout the financial year does not make efficient use of officer time.

“The proposed new Bursary Award Scheme would enable the council to increase its publicity and particularly through increasing opportunities for award winners to be ambassadors and positive role models for young people, at local events.”

The council's cabinet will discuss the proposals at a meeting on Monday June 7 at the civic offices in Epping High Street.

What do you think? Have you received grants from the council? Send your views to dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk