MINISTER for civil society, MP Nick Hurd helped launch a scheme aimed at kickstarting the Big Society in Barnet this week.

Residents wanting to run initiatives for the community can bid for a slice of £600,000, allocated over three years, as part of Barnet Council’s Innovation Bank.

The idea comes from central Government and aims to get residents taking a lead in communities and running projects to help improve things for themselves.

Mr Hurd said: “It seems Barnet Council understands what we are trying to encourage through this Big Society initiative.

“We want to give people more power and responsibility for their own lives.”

Talking about Government’s plans to devolve power to council’s and their constituents, Mr Hurd said the Innovation Bank was a chance for residents to show Barnet both what they want and need.

He said: “My instinct is Barnet will respond in a very very positive manner.”

The scheme was condemned by opposition councillors when it was unveiled in December, with accusations it is a “smokescreen” for cuts to the artsdepot and museums.

But Councillor Robert Rams said: “We have funded the Big Society Innovation Bank with reductions in senior management pay as the council has adapted to the changing financial climate.”

Informal groups can bid for cash between £500 and £5,000, while groups with constitutions can ask for up to £50,000.

Individuals with an idea are also allowed to bid for money in the lower cash bracket. Applications must be submitted before Friday, July 29.