Councillors have approved funding for a range of measures to help 撸sir视频 and Bute鈥檚 island communities navigate the cost of living crisis.
撸sir视频 and Bute Council will direct 拢141,000 from the Scottish Government鈥檚 Island Cost of Crisis Emergency Fund (the same amount as last year) to once again support 撸sir视频 and Bute Council Love Local Giftcards, grants to local food banks and free school meal top ups.
Set up in 2022, the fund aims to support urgent action to help island residents facing financial challenges. This is the third consecutive year that 撸sir视频 and Bute has benefitted.
The council鈥檚 Depute Policy Lead for Islands and Rural Communities, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: "Estimates indicate that islands are facing around 20% to 66% higher costs of living than the UK average with high fuel costs, a colder climate and the lack of consumer choice intensifying the impact of the continuing cost crisis.
鈥淪upport from the Cost Crisis Emergency Fund will deliver immediate help to people in our island communities who are most affected by these significant cost of living challenges.鈥