What could the Community Fund look like?

We are exploring opportunities such as local grant schemes, as well as investment in local partnerships and programmes. These could support projects such as investing in skills, enhancing green spaces, supporting physical health and wellbeing, improving community hubs or creating partnerships with charities or service providers. 

When will the Community Fund become available?

The government guidance on community funds for transmission infrastructure sets out that funding should become available once construction has started, subject to planning and regulatory approval. 

In Kent, we expect to launch the Community Fund in Spring 2027. Should our development consent order application be approved, this is when we expect to begin construction activity in Kent based on current construction programmes.

In Suffolk, we expect to launch the Community Fund in Autumn 2026. This is because Kiln Lane substation, which forms part of our plans for Sea Link, already has planning permission as part of ScottishPower Renewables' offshore wind farm projects. 

How long will the Community Fund be available for?

We expect the Community Fund to be spent during the construction of Sea Link (between 2027 and 2031). This is dependent on several factors, including the number of applications for funding we receive. 

The Government's guidance on community funds for transmission infrastructure sets out that funding should be spent within 15 years of construction starting. 

How much money will the Sea Link Community Fund offer?

In Kent, we will provide at least £1.06 million in community benefit funding. The exact figure is subject to confirmation from our regulator, Ofgem. We are currently working with them to agree if the new section of overhead line in Kent is eligible for funding. 

In Suffolk, we will provide £1.06 million in community benefit funding. 

How has the total amount of community funding been calculated?

Funding levels are set by the Government's guidance on community funds for transmission infrastructure. 

We will provide at least £1.06 million of funding in Kent, and £1.06 million of funding in Suffolk. This is based on £530,000 for for each new converter station and £530,000 for each new substation. 

Who decides how funds are awarded?

Decision on how funding is allocated will be made through clear governance arrangements designed to be fair, transparent and independent, ensuring funding delivers genuine benefit to the areas hosting the project. We will also report on what has been funded and what impact has been achieved, and support Government and Ofgem in their monitoring and evaluation activities. 

All applications to our Community Fund will be assessed first by an independent fund administrator. The fund administrator will check the eligibility of each application and provide a recommendation on which applications should be taken forward. They will be responsible for running the application process, assessing applications against clear criteria, managing payments, and providing reporting and oversight. 

The final decision on whether each application is awarded funding will be made by a panel comprising different members of the National Grid team. We are also exploring whether a community representative (or representatives) could form part of this panel. 

Can local communities influence how the Community Fund works?

Yes. Community input is central to shaping priorities and how Community Funds are used. Between 30 June and 5 August 2026, we are inviting people to share their views on how the Sea Link Community Fund should operate. As part of this, we are asking for specific feedback on local priorities and the types of projects that should be eligible for funding, along with any views on application process and eligibility criteria. 

All feedback to the survey, along with feedback from engagement with local authorities, parish councils and other local groups, will inform the development of a detailed strategy that we will publish alongside the launch of the Community Fund. 

Who is National Grid accountable to when it comes to the Community Fund?

We are accountable to our regulator, Ofgem. Alongside our grant administrator, we are responsible for disbursing the Community Fund. As part of this, we need to ensure that Ofgem is satisfied that any community benefit funding is being spent in line with their reporting requirements and the Government’s guidance. 

What information will you publish about your decision-making on whether or not to award funding?

We will be clear about how community funds operate, including eligibility, decision‑making processes and how funding is awarded. Following each award panel, we will provide feedback to all applicants on whether or not their application was successful.  We will also publish information on funded projects and the outcomes they deliver, so communities can see how decisions have been taken and how funding is being used.   

Will the Community Funds be used to deliver a project's biodiversity net gain?

No. Community Funds will not be used to deliver a project's Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). They are separate and additional and not used to offset or mitigate project impacts, including BNG. 

BNG is a requirement secured through the planning and consenting process. It ensures habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than before development. National Grid has also committed to deliver a minimum 10% BNG on all projects requiring planning consent during RIIO-T3.