TALKS took place this week with Scottish ministers about the funding challenges facing the Usual Place.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth met with Shirley-Anne Sommerville, the Secretary for Social Justice; and Ivan McKee, Minister for Public Finance, along with a cross-party group of MSPs.
Mr Smyth described the meeting as “hugely constructive” and has now urged Ministers to urgently work with Government agencies, such as the South of Scotland Enterprise and Dumfries and Galloway Council, to bring forward a short term package of financial support to cover the projects immediate pressures and help them with a long term strategy to ensure the project is sustainable.
Colin Smyth said: “Ministers made it clear they wanted to help and said their officials would be holding discussions with the Usual Place and agencies to discuss what action could be taken.
“Of course public finances are tight, but I would like to see a short term financial package of support put in place to get the project through the coming months. We then need to see support to look at ways it can be sustainable in the long-term.
“This is a transformative project and the futures of so many young people depend on it. I am absolutely determined that we do not let those young people down.”
