The Community Benefit Scheme has been running since September 2020, and enables contractors and suppliers appointed by the council to choose from a list of proposed community benefits, that community groups have identified, as part of the tender.

This can include things like sponsoring a local sports team, providing building or decorating materials, help with planting or weeding, work experience or apprenticeships – anything that will help your community.

Many groups and organisations in the area have already benefitted. You can click on our interactive community benefits map to see all current requests and examples of completed benefits that our suppliers have already delivered, either by contractual agreement or through goodwill.

Local community groups or organisations can submit a request by emailing communitybenefits@argyll-bute.gov.uk. The council will review the request and add it to the community benefit wish list before sharing it with its suppliers regularly to ask if they can support any of the requests.

Councillor Alastair Redman, the council’s policy lead for procurement, said: “The Community Benefit Scheme is a great opportunity for local groups and organisations to register for help with a range of projects that will make a real difference to their local area.

“The scheme has already had a huge impact on many groups across Argyll and Bute and I would urge anyone with any requests or ideas to go online and add them to the list.”

You can find further information and an online application form on the council website.