Cost crisis emergency funding for island communities

Funding of almost £200,000 will help provide cost of living support to island residents in Argyll and Bute.

As costs continue to rise, the funding will help residents on Islay, Bute, Tiree, Mull and Iona access essential supplies including food and fuel.

Argyll and Bute Council is using its allocation of £197,000 from the Scottish Government’s Island Cost Crisis Emergency Fund to provide a range of services.

These include grants to food banks, with £5,000 going to each of the following island community food organisations: Islay Food Bank, Bute Oasis, Tiree Food Project and Mull and Iona Community Trust.

The council will also pay an additional £1.60 per day for every secondary school pupil in receipt of free school meals, every day between Tuesday February 14 and Friday June 30, including school holidays. The payment means that pupils in receipt of free school meals will also have additional funding for food throughout the day such as snacks, if required.

Parents and carers will receive a letter from the council explaining the additional payment, by BACS, by Friday February 10.

Additionally, households in receipt of council tax reduction will receive an Argyll and Bute Love Local card worth £120 to spend in local island businesses.

This ensures that households that do not have access to a local food bank, or would not wish to use the food bank, have some additional support.

The council has a list of recipients and will issue the cards from Monday February 13. “The cost of living crisis continues to affect many of communities across Argyll and Bute,” said Councillor Liz McCabe, policy lead for the islands and business development.

“Our island residents are seeing a significant increase in costs with many goods and services more expensive than the mainland. With costs much higher than the UK average, many residents are struggling.

“Funding from the Scottish Government means that we, as a council, can take urgent action and help provide support and essential services to those who require it.”

The council has a dedicated cost of living webpage offering information and support: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ advice-services.