MORE than a quarter of a million pounds held in dozens of dormant trust funds is set to be released by Sandwell Council to support youth projects.

Plans are in place to pass the funds to the Heart of England Community Foundation, a grant giving organisation in the West Midlands that last year distributed more than £130,000 to projects which offer children and young people the best possible start in life.

The Sandwell Community Fund will help promote the long-term well-being of residents in the area and is expected to launch in autumn 2018.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, said: “It is fantastic news that we can free up this money to create an active community fund to help children and young people in Sandwell who need support to improve their chances in life.”

The council’s cabinet were due to consider a report on the proposal at its meeting yesterday (Wednesday, May 16).

The dormant funds are from a mixture of registered charities and trusts set up some years ago by local dignitaries and businesses – including Akrill, Kendrick and Wilson, Albright and Mitchells and Butlers.

The Charity Commission is keen to see the release of dormant trust funds locked in local authorities around the country.