Planning Bill Passed: New Approach to Strategic Planning in Scotland

Posted on June 28, 2019

On Thursday 20^th June, Scottish Government passed the Planning Bill, which includes new measures to help empower people and organisations get involved in planning the future of their communities.

The Bill aims to support a more inclusive and collaborative planning system, and takes a new approach to strategic planning in Scotland, introducing a duty on local authorities to work together to produce “regional spatial strategies”.

As part of the Bill, people will now be able to prepare local place plans covering what will be done in their communities, including over issues such as housing, open space and community facilities as well as business and employment opportunities.

Local authorities will be legally required to take local place plans into account when preparing their development plans (part of the Community Planning process).

Co-op Food Fund

Foundation Scotland has launched the Co-op Food Fund, with grants of £1,000 – £5,000 available for projects starting after Monday 21st December. The Co-op Food Fund aims to support organisations or projects which provide access to food and sustainable solutions to food poverty in Scotland (including foodbanks and holiday food schemes). Only constituted groups, with a governing document, can apply. The deadline for applications is 12pm on Friday 13th November.

October Funding Insight Bulletins: Available to Download

You can now download all October Funding Insight Bulletins, including this week’s, wc Monday 26th October. This week’s new bulletin includes funding from Creative Scotland to support the creative sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for community-based food initiatives, and information on British Science Week grants.

Young Carer Grant: First Anniversary

Wednesday 21st October saw the first birthday of the Young Carer Grant. The Young Carer Grant is a £305.10 payment available on an annual basis for 16 – 18 year olds who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit. Young carers can spend the money on anything they want. If it has been a year since they received a payment, young carers are encouraged to check if they’re still eligible and apply again.

November “Care With Confidence” Online Sessions

Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre has announced further “Care with Confidence” Zoom sessions for unpaid carers in Falkirk, including “Reducing Our Energy Costs” with Home Energy Scotland and Scottish Water, on Tuesday 3rd November, 10:30am – 12:30pm, and “Diabetes: How to Reduce Your Risk”, on Tuesday 10th November, 10:30am – 12:30pm. Support is available for carers who would like to attend but are not sure how to get online, or how to join a Zoom meeting.