DECISIONS will be this next week on how to divvy up nearly £55,000 of Dumfries and Galloway Council cash across communities in the Stewartry.
Four key spending priorities have been identified in the Stewartry Area Committee Discretionary Budget for 2024/25: sports (through Stewartry Sports Council), youth (through ward specific allocations), key facilities, and community galas and events.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is splitting £312,000 between the region’s four area committees, with the Stewartry receiving the smallest slice of the pie.
This is because a formula has been used based on population size and up to date data from the Scottish Indices of Multiple Deprivation, provides an allocation of 15.4 percent to Stewartry Area Committee which equates to £48,048.
In addition, Stewartry Area Committee has £6138.52 remaining and this means the total funds available for the year ahead is £54,186.52.
In a report, due to be tabled at Stewartry Area Committee, council officers are proposing this money is spent as follows: sport – £7000; youth – £8000; key facilities – £27,686.52; and galas and events – £11,500.
The report explains that sports cash will go to individuals and clubs for training and coaching etc through grants issued by Stewartry Sports Council.
Clubs and individuals would apply directly via the website: www.stewartrysportscouncil.co.uk
In relation to youth cash awards, council papers describe it as: “Support for young people to access youth development activities for people aged 12-25yrs.
“Open for expressions of interest up to £2000 allocation per ward in the Stewartry.”
Community-owned/managed facilities that contribute to the wellbeing of the community and increase social contact will be eligible for grant applications of up to £4000.
Of the £11,500 being set aside for community galas and events, £2500 has been earmarked for Castle Douglas Civic Week, £2500 for Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities, and a further £2500 for Dalbeattie Civic Daze.
Council officers are recommend that the remaining £4000 is split into £500 awards for other community events.
However, councillors will have the final say.
