Community / SIC to receive £300k from island cost crisis fund
SHETLAND Islands Council is in line to receive around £300,000 from a new Scottish Government fund designed to support islanders most impacted by the cost of living.
The £1.4 million Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund will target immediate support to those who are struggling, either through existing schemes or new support.
It has now been confirmed that in 2022/23 Shetland will receive roughly £300,000, with £67,000 of this reserved for capital spend.
Funding is being allocated directly to the six island local authorities to support the needs of their communities.
The fund was identified as part of the emergency budget review announced last month as the cost of living on islands is higher when compared to the mainland.
Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Islands already experience higher costs of living, with some estimates around 20-65 per cent higher than the UK average, with higher fuel costs, a colder climate and the lack of consumer choice intensifying the impact of the cost crisis on islanders.
“This fund was developed to enable local authorities to take urgent action in helping mitigate the impacts of the cost of living crisis on households.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment in getting this fund rolled out as quickly as possible and I hope it can provide support to those who need it the most.”
Shetland Islands Council has been approached for comment.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
