Meeting of the Parliament 17 June 2026 [Last updated 15:26]
The cashback for communities programme is very important in supporting young people who are at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour, offending or reoffending. So far, there has been investment of £156 million, which has helped 1.4 million young people through projects in all local council areas, because the programme works across Scotland. We are investing £26 million in the current phase of the programme—phase 7—which runs to 2029.
On the local focus of Alan Brown’s question, in East Ayrshire specifically, at least 150 young people are expected to benefit from four projects run by Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise, the National Autistic Society, the Ukrainian St Mary’s Trust Ltd and Youth Scotland. Investment in those projects will be backed by £2.27 million over the next three years.