Emergency funds aid Argyll & Bute islands.

The Argyll and Bute Council has approved emergency funding to assist the island communities in navigating the current cost of living crisis. The council will be directing £141,000 from the Scottish Government’s Island Cost of Crisis Emergency Fund towards various measures to support the residents.

This funding will once again enable the distribution of Argyll and Bute Council Love Local Giftcards, grants to local food banks, and top-ups for free school meals. Established in 2022, the fund focuses on providing immediate relief to residents facing financial difficulties on the islands. This marks the third consecutive year that Argyll and Bute has received support from this fund.

Councillor Jim Lynch, the council’s depute policy Lead for Islands and Rural Communities, highlighted the challenges faced by island residents. He mentioned that the cost of living on the islands is significantly higher, ranging from 20% to 66% more than the UK average. Factors such as high fuel costs, harsh weather conditions, and limited consumer choices exacerbate the impact of the ongoing cost crisis.

According to Councillor Lynch, the support from the Cost Crisis Emergency Fund will provide much-needed assistance to the individuals in the island communities who are most severely affected by these rising cost of living challenges. The allocation of funds aims to address the immediate needs of the residents and alleviate some of the financial burdens they are currently facing.