Rural services
Local authorities will be able to charge a premium of up to 100% on council tax for second homes under legislation aiming to increase the availability of housing.
If approved by Parliament, the secondary legislation would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes, which can already be subject to a 100% premium on the full rate of council tax. Latest figures show that as at September 2022 there were 24,287 second homes in Scotland.
- Read more about Prioritising homes for living in
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Libraries across Scotland can apply to the Public Library Improvement Fund to help finance creative projects and sustainable services.
Projects that could be supported under the £450,000 Scottish Government fund include tackling the cost of living crisis, bridging the digital divide, tackling the attainment gap for children and young people, or addressing sustainable development goals.
The Scottish Library and Information Council, administrators of the fund, will make awards in line with the aims and ambitions of its current strategy.
- Read more about Funding for public libraries.
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Scotland’s first ever National Islands Plan was published in 2019 and is now being reviewed as required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, which may lead to the publication of a new National Islands Plan.
- Read more about Views sought on National Islands Plan review
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A fund designed to support local regeneration and sustainable development around Scotland’s coast has been launched by Crown Estate Scotland (CES).
The Sustainable Communities Fund, is made up of two different programmes. Total investment across the two programmes could reach £750,000 over the next three years.
- Read more about Crown Estate Scotland announce funding
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Organisations awarded share of accessible advice fund.
People struggling to manage their household finances can now benefit from increased support in a range of community settings thanks to a new accessible advice fund.
Almost £1 million has been distributed to partnerships between advice agencies and other local services such as schools, charities, hospitals and mental health services.
- Read more about Financial advice where people need it
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The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is seeking your views on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced by the Scottish Government on Tuesday 13th June 2023.
There are two ways you can share your views with the Parliament. You can:
- Read more about Cosy Space is a Hot Spot
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The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee at the Scottish Parliament is planning an inquiry into healthcare in remote and rural areas and want to hear from the public about what they should focus their inquiry on.
- Read more about Rural healthcare inquiry at Scottish Parliament call for evidence closes on 11 August
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