Question reference: S5W-35335
- Asked by: Joan McAlpine, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 19 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 1 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether groups in receipt of Climate Challenge Funding (CCF) that expect to report an underspend due to the COVID-19 pandemic, can use this money in alternate ways within the CCF remit.
Answer
We understand the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for projects funded through the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF), many of which are based on community engagement and events, and have sought to provide support where possible.
The Scottish Government commends the way that so many groups have adapted their original plans to enable delivery of their project - for example, by engaging with communities online rather than through physical gatherings.
We also understand that the nature of some CCF projects makes delivery under COVID 19 restrictions extremely difficult. In such cases, we have encouraged our delivery partner, Keep Scotland Beautiful, to adopt a flexible approach and to work with groups to identify how projects can use their funding in alternate ways, whilst ensuring that all work undertaken represents value for money and is consistent with the aims and principles of the CCF.