LOCAL MSP Annabelle Ewing is urging community groups in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area helping tackle poverty to apply for funding from a new Fairer Scotland Fund.

Ms Ewing MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Cowdenbeath constituency, has welcomed the announcement this week which means that community and third sector projects that try new ways to tackle poverty and improve people’s lives can now apply for a share of £29 million funding.

Ms Ewing said: "I am really pleased to be able to welcome the announcement made by the First Minister last week which will see almost £30 million being made available over the next two years to support the Fairer Scotland Action Plan which was published a few months ago.

"£18.9 million will be put into a new Aspiring Communities Fund to help organisations find new, long lasting community led solutions to poverty, by increasing economic activity or enhancing services to meet local needs".

She added: "Meanwhile the £9.7 million Growing the Social Economy Programme will enable third sector organisations to try new ideas and approaches by collaborating with research organisations or supporting people to improve their skills.

"I would encourage third sector and community groups to consider whether they might be able to access these funds to help deliver these important objectives here in the Cowdenbeath constituency."