A north-east MSP has hit out at the Scottish Government’s support for youth groups during the pandemic.
Scouting’s chief executive in Scotland last month announced a consultation with employees of the charity’s outdoor centres, with a £1.5 million loss projected for the financial year.
Some 105 Scout groups work with almost 5,000 young people aged six to 25 across the north-east, Moray and Shetland, and 38 Boys Brigade groups in the region have an estimated 1,200 members.
Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett has now said he was “severely disappointed” by an official answer from SNP MSP Richard Lochhead that the Scouts and Boys’ Brigade can take out “fully flexible, 0% interest loans” instead of grant funding similar to other charities.
He said: “Hundreds of thousands of people in the north east will have felt the benefit of youth organisations, volunteering and the many community goods they perform.
“We are routinely told that outdoor and group experiences are crucial at helping increase attainment and fighting multiple deprivation.
We know the last few months have been extremely challenging, but #OurMessageToYoungPeople is that we're here for you, no matter what.
We're here, and we're ready to give you the support you need as we move through the lifting of lockdown restrictions. #YouthWorkChangesLives pic.twitter.com/lCUBFj3nbJ
— Scouts Scotland (@ScoutsScotland) July 6, 2020
“Beyond inviting the Scouts and Boys’ Brigade to take out a loan, the SNP have put nothing new in place to support them.
“This is bitterly disappointing, and I ask the Minister to consider using a tiny portion of the Scottish government’s additional Covid funding from the Treasury to secure youth facilities for the future.”
Minister for further education, higher education and science, Richard Lochhead, stressed that steps have been taken to help organisations.
Mr Lochhead said: “We know this is a difficult time for youth work organisations and we have taken a number of steps to support the sector.
“Across Scotland, youth work charities including local Scout groups, have been awarded funding from the Third Sector Resilience Fund in recognition of the very important work they carry out.
“We have also extended the Children, Young People and Families Early Intervention and Adult Learning and Empowering Communities fund to March 31, 2021. This fund supports a variety of organisations, including Scouts Scotland, Boys Brigade Scotland and The Guide Association.
“The deputy first minister recently announced additional resources for education, including youth work. Officials are working to determine how this package of support can best support the sector, with a view to communicating this with partners as soon as possible.”
