Perth & Kinross Council is focusing participatory budgeting in four localities that face significant challenges and have a need for targeted community investment.

The £100,000 funding will be split over four targeted localities as follows:

• Central and North Perth: £47,837
• Coupar Angus, Meigle, and Alyth: £18,846
• South Crieff: £16,625
• Rattray: £16,690

Bids must be community-led and focus on tackling poverty and alleviating the cost of living crisis in these areas.

Applications can be made online now.

Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate how they will target these localities, though some beneficiaries may come from outside these areas.

Applications can also include costs towards upskilling and resourcing volunteers to support the delivery of projects aimed at tackling poverty and the cost of living.

Councillor Tom McEwan, convenor of Perth and Kinross Council’s Housing and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Tackling poverty is a priority for this Council and this is a great opportunity for community groups to access financial support for projects in their areas.

“It does not take long to apply and I would urge community groups across all areas to make sure they submit their bids by the end of the week.

“Residents will then have the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the biggest difference to their communities.”

All bid will be screened and eligible applications will be put to the public vote, with the successful bids announced on 7 March 2025.