During an exchange at First Ministers Questions in the Scottish Parliament this week, Dumbarton constituency MSP, Jackie Baillie, called on the Scottish Government to fill the £22 million gap in EU funding.

The MSP highlighted that millions of pounds of European funding could be withdrawn from voluntary organisations and local authorities across Scotland. The gap in funding could result in employability projects closing, job losses and cuts to services for vulnerable people.

The Scottish Government was made aware of the problem more than a year ago but failed to heed the warnings, leaving these organisations vulnerable to cuts and even closure.

The Scottish Government is responsible for the administration of the ESF programme and ultimately the problem rests with them.

Jackie said:

“Millions of pounds of European funding could be withheld from voluntary organisations and local authorities across Scotland following because of a problem caused by the Scottish Government.

“The loss of funding could lead to employability projects closing, job losses and cuts to services for vulnerable people. The Government failed to heed warnings more than a year ago and now we are facing a £22 million black hole.

“It is now time that the Scottish Government guarantee that they will fill the gap to fund these organisations to provide them with immediate security.”