Asked by: Simpson, Graham (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - Central Scotland)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government which organisations or interested parties have received funding through the Plugged-in Communities Grant Fund in 2023-24.
Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport
The Scottish Government provides annual funding to Energy Saving Trust (EST) who are an independent organisation working to address the climate emergency. EST then deliver the Plugged-in Communities (PiC) grant fund on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
EST publish details of all PiC grant recipients along with the grant values on their website, this information can be found here - Plugged-in communities grant fund - Energy Saving Trust .
In 2023-2024 the following organisations received Plugged-in Community funding:
Annandale Community Transport Services
Beannachar Ltd
Caithness Rural Transport
Camphill School Aberdeen
Checkin Works
Coalfield Community Transport
Creich Croick & Kincardine District Day Care Association
Elder Voice
Glasgow Children’s Hospital
Glasgow No.1 Baby and Family Support Service
Handicabs (Lothian)
Healthy and Active in East Kilbride
Homeless Project Scotland
Local Energy Action Plan
Lothian Community Transport Services
Moray Carshare
South Ayrshire Community Transport
Southwest Community Transport
St Madoes and Kinfauns Parish Church
Tagsa Uibhist
The Food Train.
Jan. 24 2024
Source Page: Gateshead mine water heat scheme gets official seal of approvalFound: mine water heat network is a major milestone in decarbonising heat and a real-world example of how communities
Apr. 25 2024
Source Page: Coal Authority data and information plan 2024 to 2027Found: These can provide heat for homes and businesses, across communities whose identity was shaped by coal
Found: Cross -Party Group Annual Return Name of Cross -Party Group Cross -Party Group on Industrial Communities
Mentions:
1: Leonard, Richard (Lab - Central Scotland) blacklisted during that bitter dispute, so the family were forced to move over 400 miles away to the Kent coalfield - Speech Link
2: Rowley, Alex (Lab - Mid Scotland and Fife) However, my focus is on the improvements that were made to the lives of the mining communities—miners - Speech Link
3: Grahame, Christine (SNP - Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) , and communities—and, indeed, some families—being torn apart. - Speech Link
Oct. 12 2023
Source Page: Mine water heat – a proven successFound: Coal Authority mine water heat experts say there are great opportunities for coalfield communities to
Mentions:
1: Lisa Cameron (Con - East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) It struck me that the more we have those projects in local communities—in kids’ spare time external to - Speech Link
2: Alex Davies-Jones (Lab - Pontypridd) From my role proudly chairing the all-party parliamentary group on coalfield communities, I know that - Speech Link
3: Margaret Greenwood (Lab - Wirral West) commitment from the Government to extend access to adult literacy and digital skills training in our communities - Speech Link
4: Luke Hall (Con - Thornbury and Yate) She also highlighted her work with the APPG and the report she has produced on coalfield communities; - Speech Link
Oct. 24 2023
Source Page: Coal Authority customer plan 2023 to 2026Found: communities and environments safe.
Mentions:
1: David T C Davies (Con - Monmouth) If the Welsh Government want to focus on the priorities of small businesses and communities in Wales, - Speech Link
2: David T C Davies (Con - Monmouth) The Welsh Government’s policy on the blanket 20 mph speed limit is damaging communities and businesses - Speech Link
3: David T C Davies (Con - Monmouth) discussions with Cabinet colleagues and delivery teams in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - Speech Link
4: Grahame Morris (Lab - Easington) Like the towns and villages I represent, coalfield communities in Wales are still bearing the brunt of - Speech Link
Asked by: Whitfield, Martin (Scottish Labour - South Scotland)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has reportedly (a) reduced funding for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) and (b) instructed the CRT to end its grant programme.
Answered by FitzPatrick, Joe - Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning
In 2023-24, funding is being delivered within the context of the most challenging budget settlement since devolution as set out by the Deputy First Minister in our Medium Term Financial Strategy, which makes clear the difficult choices that would be required to reach a sustainable footing.
The Scottish Government has awarded a grant of nearly £650k to Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) for 2023-24 which will enable the organisation to sustain its core operations and deliver its programme of work in Scotland. This builds on the £28 million provided to CRT to date.
In terms of the sustainability of CRT’s grant programme, officials have been signalling the need for CRT to move away from this historical arrangement and to explore other funding routes for this activity. This approach is to ensure the funding available can support CRT to maintain its focus on delivering its key services which will have the greatest impact on coalfield communities. This will also ensure CRT’s grant funding activity is in line with the latest grant making conditions and financial control measures, which apply across all Scottish Government grants.
The Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning held a constructive meeting with CRT on 14 September, providing the opportunity to discuss their concerns and the challenges. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with CRT and others towards the regeneration of our coalfields communities.