THE decision of which community projects within Barnet will receive a share of £200,000 in funding is being thrown open to the public.

CommUNITY Barnet is calling for volunteers to sit on a panel to decide the funding allocations from the Big Society Innovation Bank.

CommUNITY Barnet coordinates volutary and community activity in the borough, and will choose the panel members from submitted applications.

The bank was launched this year as an opportunity for residents and not-for-profit groups to submit bids for funding to help kick-start local projects.

Residents from from all backgrounds including some with business and entrepreneurial experience are being encouraged to apply.

Applicants need to have lived in the borough for at least a year.

Successful panel applications will join Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Access and Partnerships, Councillor Robert Rams in deciding the final allocations.

Cllr Rams said: “The Innovation Bank is intended to kick start local projects designed to solve local problems, so it makes sense that Barnet residents should play a role in helping to decide which receive funding.”

Projects which are finally chosen will benefit from a portion of the £200,000 on offer for 2011/12.

The closing date for panel applications is November 7.

For more information and to request and application form contact Anahied.Hatamian at CommUNITY Barnet on 0208 364 8400 ext 203, or email anahied.hatamian@CommUNITYBarnet.org.uk