Scottish Conservative politicians are encouraging local community groups to apply for UK Government funding.
Murdo Fraser MSP and Councillor John Duff are both delighted to see the expansion of the third round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund, with the fund already providing £300,000 to the Aberfeldy Sports Club, and £250,000 to the Rannoch Hub in Highland Perthshire.
Launched by the UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, changes to the fund will make it easier than ever for community groups to secure local assets that are at risk of being lost forever – helping to strengthen and level up communities.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I would encourage local community groups who require some financial support to apply for this fund. It has proved to be very popular across the whole country and will bring great benefits to the likes of Aberfeldy Sports Club and the Rannoch Hub in my region. The amount of funding all projects can bid for will be increasing from £250,000 to £1 million, meaning that groups can bid for more funding to help save bigger projects from being lost.
“The requirement for match-funding is also being reduced to as low as 10%, making it easier for communities to acquire assets without raising additional private funding. For the first time, Scotland’s 1,200 Community Councils will also be able to apply to the Fund, which has previously only been available to charities and community groups.
“The fund is already supporting 15 projects across Scotland with £3.1 million.”
And Councillor Duff, who is leader of the Scottish Conservative group in Perth and Kinross, added: “These new UK Government funds are making such a difference in my ward for residents and visitors. The Rannoch Hub is transforming social and business facilities in the remote village of Kinloch Rannoch and the Sports Hub is aiming to improve sport, health and wellbeing in Aberfeldy.”
He continued: “There are many prized community assets all across Perth and Kinross which could be saved by an application to the Community Ownership Fund. I therefore encourage local groups and communities to use the fund to make a difference in their areas. Now that the cap has been raised and the match funding amount lowered, the opportunities to transform your town, village or community are enormous.”
