A new service to support Argyll and Bute residents with debt issues has been officially launched today, Friday, 18 August 2017.

Money Skills Argyll is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund through the Delivering Financial Inclusion programme.

Argyll and Bute Council and key partners have been awarded the £3.75 million contract to deliver a range of financial inclusion services in the area for the next three years. The partners will offer free, impartial and confidential services aimed at reducing the burden of debt to lone parents, workless households and low-income households.

Money Skills Argyll is a partnership comprising, Argyll and Bute Council, Big Lottery Fund, Argyll and Bute Adult Learning and Literacy Service, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, Argyll Community Housing Association, Fyne Homes, West Highland Housing Association, Dunbritton Housing Association, Argyll Networks, ALi Energy, Bute Advice Centre, Carr Gomm, HELP and Kintyre Youth Enquiry Service.

The project partners will offer help, advice and support with debt advice, money advice, computer skills, money management, income maximisation and fuel poverty for up to 3,000 people across the Argyll and Bute area.

Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said:

“We want to help as many people as possible to reduce their debts and the funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund will help us achieve that ambition.

“The service will make a real difference to the lives of many people who may be struggling to manage their finances. The partners will work together to provide a personal service offering practical help to help address the needs of individuals and households.”

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said:

“I am delighted that the people of Argyll and Bute will benefit from this funding, thanks in part to money raised by National Lottery players. The Money Skills Argyll service will help people who are facing disadvantage to improve their money management skills and lower their debt burden, which often acts as a barrier to social inclusion.”

See link for contact details - Money Skills Argyll

Notes to Editors

• The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-2020 Programme. For further information visit the website or follow @scotgovESIF on social media.
• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. It is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes
• The Big Lottery Fund Scotland is focussed on helping people and communities most in need throughout Scotland through its five-year £250m funding scheme as well as small grants scheme National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
• Since June 2004 it has awarded over £8 billion to projects across the UK that change the lives of millions of people. Every year it funds 13,000 small local projects tackling big social problems like poor mental health and homelessness
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £35 billion has been raised and more than 490,000 grants awarded.

Money Skills Argyll is a three year, £3.75 million project which is joint funded by European funds and the Big Lottery. It will focus on achieving an increase in disadvantaged participants with improved money management skills; and a decrease in disadvantaged participants affected by debt as a barrier to social inclusion.