John Alexander

Proposed allocations from the Dundee Partnership Community Regeneration Fund for the financial year 2021/22 were approved by Dundee City Council’s policy and resources committee last night.

A total of £813,000 was brought forward, with at least £330,774 of this intended for capital projects. The funds will be spread across the eight council wards covering Dundee.

The committee heard that the coronavirus pandemic had an impact on the current year’s work, but that work had gone on to try and continue the distribution of funding.

Grant allocations during the pandemic have come forward for a range of activity and wellbeing packs for people of all ages, equipment to enable digital delivery of activities online, and equipment & other costs to support development & delivery of emergency food provision.

Community regeneration funding is directed towards three priority areas: physical improvements, youth inclusion activity and small grants to local groups.

In the six Wards with Community Regeneration Areas (CRAs), recommendations on funding are made by a Forum of elected local residents. In the West End and The Ferry, the Local Community Planning Partnership makes decisions.

Council leader John Alexander said: “I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in the allocation of these funds in our communities for the work that is continuing during the pandemic. In the first two months of this year alone, we have seen over twenty allocations made across the city.

“These cover groups and organisations including Douglas Fruit and Veg, the Haven, Broughty Ferry in Bloom, Menzieshill Connect Youth, Dundee City Centre and Harbour Community Council, Fintry Parish Church, the Attic and Abertay Historical Association, as well as many more.”

Councillor Alexander added: “Community regeneration funding has been making an impact on Dundee neighbourhoods for many years now, with local people closely involved in the process. I am keen that our communities and groups can take chances to help them participate in improvements and developments in their area.

“We have seen through initiatives like participatory budgeting and the festive fund that there is a huge appetite for getting things done at a local level.”