The funding will help eligible residents access essential supplies including food and fuel. Details of all participating businesses are available on the council website https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/scotland-loves-local-argyll-and-bute-gift-card
Island households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction (CTR) on 31st January will receive a letter after 13th February with important information about how to activate the card. The council will issue a second letter containing the card from 20th February.
The council are issuing 1,244 cards worth just under £150,000 in total to eligible households. This is the second round of Love Local cards issued to help low-income households with the ongoing cost of living.
What do I need to do?
Eligible households need to look out for envelopes branded Love Local love Argyll and Bute arriving from 13th February.
You will receive two letters.
The first letter will confirm you are eligible for the gift card. It includes everything you need to know about activating your card including a unique code. Please keep this letter safe.
The second letter, issued shortly after will include your gift card.
Once activated, you can use your gift card in any of the participating businesses
You can find more information about the activation process on the council website https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/scotland-loves-local-argyll-and-bute-gift...
If you are eligible for the gift card, the council will be in touch. Find out more about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/welfare-reform/council-tax-reduction-scheme
Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for the Economy and Communities:
“We know that many residents across Argyll and Bute are facing huge pressures with cost of living challenges. Our island residents are seeing a significant increase in costs with many goods and services more expensive than the mainland. With costs much higher than the UK average, many residents are struggling.
We have heard first-hand how the card is providing vital support to eligible households, enabling them to buy essential items. It will also provide a welcome economic boost to local businesses to help support island jobs. Please look out for the envelope and keep it safe for when your card arrives. ”
Funding for the card comes from the Scottish Government’s Island Cost Crisis Emergency Fund.
Businesses in Argyll and Bute can sign up to gift card scheme by registering at https://lovelocal.scot/register-your-business/
The council has a dedicated Cost of Living webpage offering information and support - https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/advice-services