THE Exmoor, Coast and Countryside Partnership's budget was boosted after the Council Tax discount for second homes was cut from 50 to ten per cent. The figure has been released in a report detailing how the West Somerset's Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) spent its 2004-05 budget. The LSP's budget for the year totalled £329,300, thanks to additional income generated by the discount change made by West Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council. The two councils decided the additional Council Tax should be spent in the area from which it was raised. They passed the funding to the LSP, which is a partnership of representatives of the public, private, business, community and voluntary sectors. LSP chairman David Davies said: "Our annual report sets out clearly where and how the money has been spent. "It shows how we have been able to use the second homes budget to deliver a host of activities and services which collectively improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of West Somerset. "The money has been spent wisely and we have wherever possible ensured the sustainability of the projects we have supported.  "A large number of these projects are continuing to be funded by the LSP during 2005-06, together with many new initiatives.  "I am delighted that we have so successfully been able to use the money raised from second homes Council Tax to deliver real benefits for the community of West Somerset." Mr Davies said the LSP had drawn up a Community Plan in 2004 which set out eight priorities for improving the district's social, economic, and environmental well-being. To work towards those priorities, the LSP supported a number of projects during the year, including the introduction of broadband, training and advice for start-up and micro-businesses, specific tourism projects such as Britain's Strongest Man and the Coleridge Way, and Exmoor events and festivals.  Affordable housing and practical help to enable vulnerable residents to continue living in their own homes were helped with funding as was the New Horizons leisure and learning centre project. Financial help was also given to Turning Point and a needle exchange scheme run through pharmacies, and to the Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust cardiac rehabilitation project.  Almost £50,000 was put into a special fund offering grants for schemes to benefit young people and communities. A portable CCTV system was purchased by the LSP and the deployment of two police community officers was funded, as well as the Child Safe Partnership. A part-time voluntary sector development worker was employed, £10,000 went to initiatives designed to improve the marketing of Somerset as a business location - and a full-time support officer has been appointed to help the LSP carry out its work. Information about the LSP, including a copy of its Community Plan, can be viewed on the district council's website http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk">www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk by clicking on the 'Your Council' button. Pictured are Davies and support officer Tineke Tammes with copies of the annual report.