‘Completely unsatisfactory’ is the view of a Scottish Parliament Committee on hearing Creative Scotland’s response to questions about its Regular Funding process. Continue reading Creative Scotland funding process ‘completely unsatisfactory’, says Holyrood committee
With sources of public funding under ongoing pressure, Scotland’s arts and heritage sectors could be missing out on millions of pounds of fundraising potential in the form of individual legacy giving, legacy fundraising expert Richard Radcliffe (above) has warned. Continue reading Scottish arts and heritage “missing out on £millions in untapped legacy funding”
Edinburgh-based Youth Scotland has been awarded a £20,000 grant from the Scottish Children’s Lottery. Continue reading Scottish Children’s Lottery support for Youth Scotland
The public spending watchdog has questioned government plans to fund increased nursery provision in Scotland. The Accounts Commission says in a new report (below) there is a “significant risk” councils will not be able to resource the government’s ambitious plan to double early learning and childcare hours by August 2020. Continue reading Question mark over government’s nursery places plan
Stimulating artistic and cultural events across the length and breadth of the Capital is the drive behind a new £60,000 City of Edinburgh Council fund. The one-off ‘Local Events Fund’ aims to inspire audiences and artists who might otherwise not have the chance to participate in cultural ventures to take up the artistic challenge. Continue reading Opening up the arts: council funding for community groups
Communities across the central belt can bring environmental and health benefits to their areas by bidding for a share of a fund worth up to £400,000. Continue reading CSGN environmental fund open for bids
Climate Challenge Fund opens for applications
Community-led organisations from across Scotland are invited to apply to the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) for funding to support local projects that tackle climate change. Continue reading Climate Challenge Fund open for aplications
Greater direct control of funding by schools will help improve education, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said as he called for parents, teachers and young people to have their say in revamping the way schools are funded. Continue reading Fair funding for schools: have your say
One of Edinburgh’s largest primary schools has secured £5,000 to buy tablet computers for its students after winning a national award. Continue reading OneFamily Foundation community award for city school
Dear Editor
Cuts in funding for services affect people differently; most are appalled at the frequency and the damage it is doing to the local social fabric. But, as always, it is those who most in need of services are denied them, with all the consequences including further isolation within the community.
Pilton Equalities Project (PEP), an organisation based in North Edinburgh, runs many services for local people including:
These activities are attended by approximately 200 people each week.
PEP minibuses pick up from and return people to their homes; all the buses are staffed with volunteer escorts. Up to 80 other volunteers help throughout the week with other activities.
Funding cuts from the city council or Scottish Government will hit the provision of these services and the very people who are most in need.
PEP makes every effort in appealing to various social and charitable organisations for grants and support to keep these vital services going, but it is not sustainable in the long run if funding cuts continue.
PEP’s volunteers carried out 13,000 hours volunteering for local people in 2016, adding greatly to the quality of life and indeed their health.
As one of those volunteers, the reason for this letter is to raise public understanding of how serious are repeated cuts in funding for local services. With the best will and efforts, volunteers cannot operate on insufficient funding for their organisation.
A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens
