LET’S DO NET ZERO COMMUNITY BUILDINGS FUND

The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is here to support communities to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero.

The new Let’s Do Net Zero Community Buildings Fund from CARES will help community organisations reduce their building energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The fund is now open and is planned to run until the end of March 2025, subject to funding availability.

Funding is available for many types of selfmanaged community buildings, including:

• village halls

• community centres

• community hubs

• sports facilities

• faith buildings

Grant funding is available for up to 80% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £80,000. Please read the funding guidance on our website for full information.

To find out more about the fund, and apply, please visit www.localenergy.scot/funding/letsdo-net-zero-community-buildings-fund/

Scottish Deposit Return Scheme

Delayed Until March 2024

Scotland's deposit return scheme will now not launch until March of next year, the country's first minister has announced.

The scheme, which is aimed at increasing the number of single-use drinks bottle and cans that are recycled, was due to start in August.

Humza Yousaf announced the delay as he set out his priorities for his government over the next three years. Mr Yousaf also confirmed that proposals to restrict alcohol advertising will be sent "back to the drawing board" as part of his efforts to "reset" the government's relationship with business.

Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The business community will welcome the First Minister’s sensible move to delay the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme to March 2024. The scheme, in its current form, is not fit for purpose and not suited to bringing SMEs onboard during a cost of doing business crisis.

“The Scottish Government must now work with the business community to ensure that the scheme is redesigned to address the magnitude of concerns that firms have put forward, and to make it workable for all effected businesses.”

Further information on the Deposit Return Scheme can be found online at www.gov.scot/policies/managingwaste/deposit-return-scheme