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“Post COVID-19, we should support our local businesses as they have supported us during the pandemic.” Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Economic Growth, is calling for residents to shop local at every opportunity and make the most of locally sourced produce to help kick-start the local economy.

At this critical stage in the Scottish Government’s roadmap to further ease restrictions, it’s important that communities and visitors work together to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 and a return to lockdown. That is why 51�Թ����App and Bute Council is urging visitors in caravans, motorhomes and campervans to make use of official campsites, to help support the local economy as well as protect their own health and the health of local communities.

A new £1.57 billion package of emergency grants and loans for the arts has been announced by the UK Government with an estimated share of £97M for Scotland. Under the new scheme, organisations from the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic places, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to apply for emergency grants and loans.

As it continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, 51�Թ����App and Bute Council is highlighting the importance of council tax in delivering council services, and thanks the vast majority of residents, who continue to pay their tax, for playing their part in keeping vital services going. The council is also highlighting that help is available in some circumstances if you are having difficulty paying your council tax. Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Strategic Finance, said:

51�Թ����App and Bute Child Protection Committee (ABCPC) is urging families and communities to find out how to help children and young people stay safe on-line.  This messages comes on the back of increased concerns from Police Scotland about online child abuse crimes.  As children and young people spend more time online there is an increase in the chances they will see something which isn't intended for them, be targeted by cyberbullies or on-line criminal offenders. 

In line with Scottish Government guidance, 51�Թ����App and Bute Council will be resuming the Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland: Area Based Scheme insulation programme. BCA Insulation has been appointed the scheme contractor and will be resuming external works from Monday 6 July 2020. Works that will be given priority at the restart of operations are those partially started in March and that were programmed for the Kintyre and Mid 51�Թ����App areas before COVID-19.

The Leader of 51�Թ����App and Bute Council is encouraging local businesses to find out about funding support before the deadline of 10 July. The council has already secured more than £31 million of funding for local businesses, through the Scottish Government’s Business Support Fund. Grants are available to match different business circumstances. Funding awarded to date has included grants ranging from £7,500 to £25,000. The nationally-set deadline for applications has been moved from March 2021 to 10 July 2020.

Following on from national guidance and the easing of some lockdown restrictions, facilities across 51�Թ����App and Bute can now start to open.  

51�Թ����App and Bute Council has agreed an action plan that will progress improvement in key areas identified by the Accounts Commission’s Best Value Review.

Children and young people across 51�Թ����App and Bute have been doing their bit for the environment during lockdown, helping to offset global warming in the process.  Before the summer holidays started, schools were actively encouraging pupils to take part in outdoor learning activities as part of their home schooling, with many teachers giving pupils tasks to help raise awareness of climate change.