£11.5m to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland

Scottish residents in disadvantaged communities are set to benefit from a range of projects to tackle poverty, inequality and rural disadvantage, funded by £11.5 million of new government money.

Approximately 250 community groups, social enterprises and charities across Scotland will receive a share of £11.5 million this year through the new Scottish Government Investing in Communities Fund. Further funding each year over the next two years will then allow recipients to create longer-term plans, helping more people to benefit from their projects.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Local communities understand what works in their own areas, and this new funding will support a range of local projects. It will help with the creation of jobs, skills and opportunities, building people’s confidence and well-being, and support local communities to grow through initiatives that include employability, financial advice, after school clubs and befriending services.

"Introduction of this flexible, multi-year fund is the result of listening to the views of people in many different communities. It will enable community groups to make sustainable and impactful changes by providing them with the resources they need, when they need them to support people through the multiple challenges they face. This Fund will empower communities to have more control over of their own affairs and take forward more of the activities they have identified as being vital to their local area.”

The Investing in Communities Fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s wider Empowering Communities Programme.