A new collection of digital maps is to display the funding being
given to support communities across Scotland affected by
coronavirus (COVID-19).
The online dashboard enables users to view financial support by
local authority across four main funds. An overview map also
shows total and per capita funding in each area.
In March, Communities Secretary announced a £350 million
package of emergency funding for communities to help tackle harms
caused by the pandemic.
Speaking ahead of today’s Scottish Parliament debate on the next
steps for communities, Ms Campbell said:
“We are aware of the financial pressures many households are
currently facing and these maps show the swift action and
substantial financial support we have provided to help people at
this difficult time. We have reached every local authority,
delivering for communities across Scotland.
“Our £70 million Food Fund, for example, has made sure people in
the shielding group can access the food they need while
self-isolating. It has also funded essential free school meals
for 175,000 children and young people and supported others at
risk from the virus or struggling financially.
“Today I will outline our next steps to support communities
across Scotland as we move towards recovery and renewal. When
this crisis hit, we proved change could be made rapidly and we
must build on that momentum to achieve our long-term goals of
reducing poverty and inequality.”
Background
Find out more about funding provided and access the Community
Funding Mapping hub.
The Communities Secretary announced the £350 million funding
package on 18 March 2020. In advance of the Wellbeing Fund and
Food Fund being in place, £10 million from each fund was taken to
form the £20 million Immediate Priorities Fund (IPF).
Last week, the Cabinet Secretary announced an
additional £1.6 million funding for
food distribution network FareShare, which has distributed
the equivalent of almost 3.5 million meals since 23 March.
Investment by the £50 million Wellbeing Fund has
included £8 million for mental
health and wellbeing services, such as the Space and
Broomhouse Hub in Edinburgh and the Lincluden After School Group
in Dumfries and Galloway.
