The Fairer Scotland Fund (FSF) is allocated to Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) to help them achieve sustainable economic growth by:
regenerating disadvantaged communities
tackling poverty by helping vulnerable people and groups
overcoming barriers to employment
On June 2, 2009 the Scottish Government hosted an event which brought together academics, policy makers and other expert colleagues to consider current and emerging evidence on multiple deprivation at a community level, and the impact of geographically focussed regeneration programmes dating back 30 years. The event examined how effective practice could improve outcomes in the future and identified gaps in the evidence base and future analytical priorities.
The fund totals £435 million over three years. This highlights the importance the Scottish Government places on increasing economic participation for all, improving social cohesion and creating stronger communities.
How is the fund being used?
CPPs can use the fund to tackle local issues related to poverty and disadvantage in the most effective way. CPPs are aiming to use the fund as a catalyst to accelerate the achievement of real outcomes for the most disadvantaged areas and vulnerable people. Results will be tracked through Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs). Through SOAs we expect to see evidence emerge over time of positive change and meaningful community involvement and empowerment.
Copies of all 2009-10 single outcome agreements can be found on the Improvement Service website.
Further background on the fund can be found in the Q&A section.
What is the future of the fund?
Local authorities and their partners have been investing the FSF to regenerate areas; tackle poverty and improve employment prospects. The ring fence associated with the FSF ends in March 2010.
In 2010-2011, and in future, the Scottish Government, local authorities and their community planning partners need to work in partnership to obtain the maximum benefit for local people and areas from the combined influence of all mainstream resources and new regeneration investment going into our most deprived communities.
A joint statement by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), 'Equal Communities in a Fairer Scotland', was published on October 29, 2009. The statement confirms the commitment of government at national and local level to tackling high levels of derivation in geographical communities.
This statement is complementary with the aims outlined in 'Achieving our Potential', the national framework for tackling poverty affecting every individual and family in Scotland wherever they live.
An action plan to support the statement has been agreed with COSLA. The Equal Communities in a Fairer Scotland Action Plan sets out how the Scottish Government will work with others to support policy makers and practitioners seeking to tackle high levels of multiple deprivation in communities.
Recent research with CPPs on the implementation of the FSF and their future support needs in tackling multiple deprivation in the context of SOAs was published on November 10, 2009. Case studies from eight Community Planning Partnerships are included: