Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report advising of the Scottish Government’s £1M Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund allocation which would support those on islands facing even more significant cost of living challenges. The report advised that, based on island population, Argyll and Bute’s allocation would be £141k and recommended a delegation to ensure that the funding could be issued as quickly as possible once Argyll and Bute’s allocation had been confirmed by letter with all the relevant criteria provided by the Scottish Government.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the funding announced by the Scottish Government as part of its Emergency Budget Review for 2023/24 financial year for Local Authorities with responsibility for islands; and

2.    agreed that arrangements for the fund be based on funding to support similar initiatives to those agreed for 2022/23 and as detailed in Table 1 within the submitted report but that the specific details and funding split be delegated to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader, Leader of the Largest Opposition Group and the Policy Lead for Islands to ensure that the support reached communities as quickly as possible.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated August 2023, submitted)