Moore supports Coastal Communities Fund
The UK Government announces a major change in the way coastal communities in Scotland benefit from the Crown Estate's marine activities.
Scotland’s coastal communities are set to receive a multi-million pound annual boost from a new Coastal Communities Fund, the Treasury has announced.
The new fund will be financed by the UK Government through the allocation of funding equivalent to 50 per cent of the revenues from the Crown Estate’s marine activities. Beginning in April 2012, the funding will support the economic development of coastal communities and a wide range of projects. They will include those that support charities, the environment, education and health.
The 2011 funding in Scotland will be worth around £4 million, with £1.85 million earmarked for the Highlands & islands and £2.05 million for the rest of Scotland. It will be available on a bid basis and the UK Government is in discussion with the Big Fund, part of the Big Lottery Fund, on how to deliver for Scotland’s communities.
The Secretary of State Michael Moore welcomed the announcement and said:
“This is a wide-ranging and innovative fund which will create many opportunities for coastal communities across Scotland. The Crown Estate has been the subject of much debate in Scotland recently and this is a very positive step to directly linking its marine revenues to the support of projects in Scotland. The fund in Scotland will be worth around £4m in 2012 and I will be working hard to make sure Scottish organisations participate.”