Big Boost to funding for Rural Partnerships

12.00.00am GMT Mon 12th Mar 2007

Rural community group networks across Aberdeenshire are assured a more certain future after Aberdeenshire Council approved a large increase in their core funding budget.

Cllr Alison McInnes, a strong advocate of the Partnerships, said "many of the Partnerships are facing financial pressures as their European funding is coming to an end. The work which these groups do is so valuable, we couldn't stand by and watch them struggle. From April an additional £90,000 will be available each year. The Council has also changed its business grant scheme to allow the Partnerships to apply for funding for community businesses."