Inverness councillors agree to dish out £100,000 underspend on charity drive and helping the city recover from Covid-19
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Four projects will reap the benefits from the Inverness Common Good Fund’s £100,000 underspend due to the pandemic with the cash going to aid the city’s recovery.
Inverness councillors agreed that the money should be divided four ways with MFR’s Mission at Christmas campaign (£30,000) and support for third sector projects and activities designed to offset the impact of Covid (£40,000) being the big winners.
A further £20,000 will be spent on a city marketing or branding campaign to increase footfall and support traders and the final £10,000 go on a campaign and digital training to tackle hostility to those unable to wear face coverings.
The almost complete absence of civic events and festivals this year due to the lockdown and other government restrictions led to the underspend.
Provost Helen Carmichael said: “Having the Inverness Common Good Fund available to support local organisations and charities is a real asset.
“It is important to acknowledge the fantastic work being undertaken by these organisations throughout the Inverness area and also recognise that many would be unable to continue to operate or expand the reach of their services and work without this vital funding.”
She added: “Given the on-going circumstances and challenges posed by the pandemic, financial pressure on these local organisations is at an all-time high and it is vital that the Inverness Common Good Fund continues to contribute towards the terrific work which is being carried out in many communities within the city.”
