Current status: Answered by Cathy Jamieson on 12 December 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides in rural areas to activities to divert young people from offending behaviour.
Local authorities and others in rural areas have access to a range of support measures already in place, or being introduced. These include our current Youth Crime Review investment of £23.5 million over three and a half years. Every local authority will carry out an audit of demand and resource so the area's needs can be identified and met. In addition, up to £21.75 million of the £87 million total available nationally for sport and physical education from the New Opportunities Fund has been earmarked for schemes intended to divert young people from offending behaviour. Furthermore, the community education grant scheme of over £1 million supports voluntary youth organisations who operate throughout Scotland, including rural areas.