Argyll food and fuel fund extended

Since it started in January 2021, the fund has supported approximately 2,000 households and 800 children throughout the area.

At a Policy and Resources Committee last week, councillors approved plans to extend the fund to March 31 using £122,400 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £189,600 from earmarked reserves.

Councillor Ross Moreland, the council’s Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial Services said: “The Flexible Food and Fuel Fund was established to combat food and fuel poverty exacerbated by economic pressures and rising living costs.

"Over the last four years, the fund has become an essential service for vulnerable residents of Argyll and Bute, providing direct financial assistance, income maximisation, and debt advice in response to the cost of living crisis. Today’s decision to extend the fund for another year is welcome news and will benefit those most in need.”

The project has been highly commended for Excellence in Innovation by the Institute of Revenues and the council, in partnership with Bute Advice Centre and ALIenergy, is actively exploring longer-term funding options to sustain the fund, including the newly-launched Fairer Life Chances programme by the Big Lottery Fund.

The Fairer Life Chances programme supports projects to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families, or enhance health and access to support for individuals experiencing poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination.