This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Funding for planning aid
29/07/2004
Planning Aid for Scotland, the voluntary organisation
that provides advice and information on planning issues, is
to receive a further grant of £65,000 from the
Executive.
Deputy Communities Minister Mary Mulligan said:
"Public involvement is an important aspect of the
planning system and Planning Aid plays a valuable role in
advising communities and people across Scotland.
"In our ongoing programme to modernise the planning
system, we want to see individuals and communities play as
full a part as possible, and Planning Aid helps us achieve
that aim. I'm pleased to announce this boost of 65,000
pounds to help continue this good work."
Nick Wright, Director of Planning Aid for Scotland
said:
"Planning Aid for Scotland welcomes this announcement
of further support from the Scottish Executive. It will
provide valuable financial assistance to allow us to
maintain and expand our free national planning advice and
information service for the Scottish public."
Douglas Murray, Secretary of the Association of Scottish
Community Councils said:
"We have for many years appreciated and supported the
work of Planning Aid. This further funding will help them
continue their valuable work for Scottish communities."
Planning Aid for Scotland was established in 1993. It is
a charitable organisation which provides free, independent
advice, information, training and support on planning and
environmental matters for individuals and community groups.
It also offers education to help groups understand their
role within the planning system and how they can present
their views effectively.
The Executive published the White Paper Your Place. Your
Plan in March 2003. It brought forward proposals for
strengthening and enhancing public involvement in the
Scottish planning system. This included a commitment to
look at how the Executive could support the work of
Planning Aid for Scotland.
Scottish Executive funding for 2003-4 helped extend
Planning Aid for Scotland services to communities and
further outreach projects involving communities in
development planning. Between 2003 and 2004, the number of
PAS cases rose 13 per cent.
Funding for 2004-5 will further support the group's core
functions and help increase the number of volunteer staff
hours.
Planning Aid contact: 0131 555 1565 (24 hour answerphone
available) or
e-mail:
office@planning-aid-scotland.org.uk