I didn't really want to get into this on twitter because it is far too complex but there is so much misinformation going about...... . So here goes a 93 part thread on the Glasgow Community Fund. For info not debate.

Start with the basics. The Fund is for 3rd sector orgs in the city and is worth £58m over 3 years. It replaces the Integrated Grant Fund which excluded the vast majority of the 3rd sector in Glasgow because it was closed to new applicants.

We took the decision to open the fund up to applications from all 3rd sector orgs and to refocus it on poverty and equality. Recommendations for funding have now been made, based on scores which relate to criteria provided to applicants. No politicians were involved in this.

The paper that will go to committee for approval on Thursday is here:
http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CouncillorsandCommittees/Agenda.asp?meetingid=16899

Applications were received to the value of £135m, far in excess of the amount available. There are losers as well as winners, as there always are when funds are oversubscribed.

Half of those whose applications have been recommended were previously excluded from receiving funding. Others who did previously receive funding are losing it or receiving less. It has also become clear that some orgs have come to regard this as core funding.

We will work with partners to support these orgs but have to be clear that this is discretionary grant funding. It is not core funding and never was.

Particular concern has been expressed about financial inclusion & legal services. £3.5m has been awarded from the citywide element of the fund to those who scored highest. This funding is on top of £3.8m per year the Council provides to Glasgow's Financial Inclusion Partnership.

This partnership brings together Council, Wheatley Group & the HSCP & provides co-ordinated services across the city from 20 offices, 25 health centres & GPs, 18 housing offices, 39 community outreach services & 11 co-located in specialist services eg homelessness, addictions.

There are also services funded by Scotgov, UK Gov, charities & RSLs. We agree law centres & CABs need stable core funding & will work with sector & Scotgov on this. We also want greater collaberation among sector to connect with the city's financial inclusion partnership.

So I hope this has given you a slightly better overview of what is going on - and you can tune in on Friday to see Thursday's CAC meeting to see the discussion if you like . Council telly here: https://glasgow.public-i.tv/core/portal/home (It's a day late cos all done on Teams).