A new collection of digital interactive maps created by the Scottish Government this week 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.
The £3.8 million provided to Dumfries and Galloway so far works out at £25.65 for each of the region’s residents.
Communities Secretary Aileen 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.
“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.”
So far the Scottish Government has provided a total of £192.5 million to communities across the country, with Dumfries and Galloway receiving the 14th biggest allocation of any local authority in Scotland. Among this funding was an allocation of £132,209 to six community groups from the Supporting Communities Fund last month.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth welcomed this award but said he hoped that the region would receive more money. He said: “This money will provide a very welcome cash injection for these six amazing groups and I know they will put the funds to good use in their communities. “However I had hoped this fund would provide a lot more for our region, as I know of many other organisations who have been denied or who have missed out on funding this time. The Covid-19 pandemic has put enormous financial strain on our community organisations, charities and other groups and many are currently struggling to cope. “As we move slowly out of lockdown there are groups in our region who are seriously wondering if they’re going to be able to continue and I will continue to push the Scottish Government to free up cash wherever it can to help these anchors of our communities.”
