Argyll and Bute Council has agreed a total funding package of £220,000 to be focused on increasing community empowerment, expanding and enhancing links with local community organisations across the Council area.
Fifty thousand pounds is being allocated to each of the four Area Committees as part of a commitment to support reshaping of business, decision-making and overall activities to align with existing and emerging local plans and issues.
The Council will develop a process for applicants to engage with, that will be as simple as possible and on the basis of allowing the maximum discretion for each Area Committee to make decisions based on priorities decided by them.
In addition, funding support for Argyll and Bute’s 56 Community Councils is also being increased, with a total investment of £20,000 being allocated to support their work.
The announcement of the new funding follows on from recommendations in the Council’s Budget for 2026/2027 which outlined the building of stronger connections and collaborations with communities as a key priority.
Councillor William Sinclair, Policy Lead for Customer Services and Community Planning, said: “Argyll and Bute’s diverse geographical spread can present challenges which is why a key priority is to continue to create, develop and support initiatives which maximise the strengths of our local communities and encourage collaboration and sharing of ideas.
“This new funding will ensure that the people and groups who do so much to sustain our communities get the support they need to continue this valuable work.”
