Midlothian Council has announced that it has been allocated a large chunk off funding from the Scottish Government, in order to support the recovery of the local economy following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Scottish Government has committed £80 million to the Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery Fund, of which £1.36 million has been allocated to Midlothian Council.
Speaking about the funding was the Midlothian Council Leader, Councillor Kelly Parry:
“This recovery fund is being used to help those low-oncome households who have felt the greatest impact off the pandemic and are now being hit by the cost of living crisis.
“However, we also want to support people to find employment and training opportunities, and help local businesses recover, adapt and grow to help build a stronger, greener local economy.”
Business support projects will receive £398,781 to help strengthen local economy, including £80,000 for a Social Enterprise Start and Grow fund. £15,000 worth of funding will also be made available to provide grants for local businesses to collaborate on the delivery of local projects.
Supporting local people is also central to the funding, with £961,219 already being approved for use as part off the Live Well Locally project. This will see the funding used to help local people heat their homes and access food, as well as supporting poverty prevention work. £100,000 will be allocated for local food bank provision to ensure that families can remain fed, alongside £400,000 worth of funding to allow the council’s ‘trusted partners’ to offer practical help and support to those who are most in need.
