£27 million to tackle disadvantage in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced £27 million for community projects to tackle poverty and disadvantage.

100 initiatives developed by local communities will receive grants from the Investing in Communities Fund, including food pantries and cost of living advice services.

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “This fund will help directly address issues facing disadvantaged communities, such as unemployment and food insecurity.

“We have been clear that the Scottish Budget is prioritising our limited resources to tackle child poverty, invest in our transition to net zero, and protect public services. And the projects supported through Investing in Communities speak to these priorities.

“Many will help ease immediate challenges from the cost of living crisis but also support communities in delivering longer term plans to address poverty.”

Some of the supported projects include: debt and benefit advice to avoid electricity and gas disconnection or eviction for rent arrears in South East Glasgow; a furniture reuse scheme in Inverness and a swap and repair shop in West Lothian; and a community food growing in South West Glasgow.

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