Greens raise concerns over community projects funding
Scottish Greens are calling for SNP ministers to apologise for leaving vital community projects in limbo over funding.
It is understood the government has this week begun to determine which projects are eligible for cash from the latest round of the Climate Challenge Fund. Applicants had been expecting a decision back in January.
Many of the 132 existing projects are only funded to the end of March, and have been preparing to lay off staff in the absence of a decision.
The fund, established jointly by Scottish Green MSPs and the government in 2008, is worth £10.3 million for each of the next three years.
Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:
"Greens pushed hard in the last parliament to set up the Climate Challenge Fund. The good work it does must not be jeopardised; ministers need to ensure it is properly resourced and that decisions are made in good time."
"The projects supported by the fund are incredibly valuable and include many social enterprises. They deserve to have promises kept rather than be left in limbo."