Scottish Conservative politicians have expressed their delight after it was announced that more than 100 local community groups will benefit from funding provided by Perth and Kinross Council.
The Conservative-led council administration agreed to award round one of the Community Investment Fund (CIF) earlier this week – meaning that £600,000 of money will be distributed to 105 local community groups and projects.
The funding will be sub-divided into the 12 local authority wards, resulting in £50,000 being made available in each ward.
Applications for the funding were encouraged from a broad range of groups, with a preference for new projects and initiatives which meet the priorities of Local Action Partnerships.
Commenting, Councillor Murray Lyle, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that the first £600,000 of awards from the Community Investment Fund were agreed this week.
“The Community Investment Fund will benefit 105 local community groups and projects.
“This Scottish Conservative-led administration is determined to shift the balance from the council deciding what is best for communities, to trusting communities to come forward with worthwhile projects that need financial support that they would find difficult to raise by themselves.
“It is a further demonstration of the council’s commitment to investing in communities and giving local people a greater say on how public money is spent in their communities.”
He continued: “Importantly, the applications were sifted and agreed – not by councillors – but by members of local communities all over Perth and Kinross.
“One hundred and forty-nine applications totalling £1,590,000 were received, and 105 projects received support this year. Congratulations to all those who successfully applied for and were awarded funds.
“For the projects that didn’t make it this year there is more to come.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, added: “The community investment fund is important for not only providing additional funding for people but it encourages local community groups and projects to apply for the money.
“Scores of groups will benefit from this funding across Perth and Kinross. New projects and initiatives were prioritised.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who also represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, commented: “It is important that in an area like Perth and Kinross resources are not concentrated in the urban centre but are spread to communities across the country.
“It is great to see the Conservative-led council taking this initiative to benefit all our towns, villages and rural areas.”