Scrapping communities fund irresponsible

The SNP's decision in the 2026/27 Budget not to continue the Investing in Communities Fund (ICF) puts more than 100 community projects across Scotland at immediate risk, with Edinburgh among the hardest hit.

- Foysol Choudhury

Fresh Start provides vital support but faces uncertainty

In the Capital alone, or-ganisations including North Edinburgh Arts, Fresh Start, The Venchie Children & Young People’s Project, WHALE Arts Agency, Space at The Broom-house Hub and Edinburgh Food Social, among others, face losing vital funding that sustains local jobs, family services and community wellbe-ing when many households face entrenched poverty and cost-of-living pressures.