6. To ask the Scottish Government what impact assessment it has undertaken regarding any reductions to core funding allocations in its budget for third sector organisations. (S6O-02177)

Scottish Government grant making is allocated across portfolios to various parts of the third sector to improve a wide range of outcomes. Some Scottish Government funding is issued through third sector intermediary organisations. Any assessments on funding levels will have been taken by individual policy areas.

I wrote to the former Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy over a month ago with regard to the future of Bridgend Farmhouse in Edinburgh, which has received Scottish Government investing in communities funding for the past four years.

On 15 February, the organisation received notification that it would not continue to receive that funding. It is a fantastic organisation, a host of more than three social enterprises and a place where the community can come together. Does the cabinet secretary agree that Bridgend Farmhouse no longer being able to operate would have a significant impact in the south of the city, and will she agree to visit Bridgend Farmhouse and review the cut to core funding?

First, I say to Miles Briggs that I will look out that correspondence—it is not something that I am familiar with, but I will have a look for it.

Clearly, these are difficult decisions. Grant funding to third sector organisations is always oversubscribed—it is the same for social enterprise funding. Therefore, that grant funding is prioritised in a way that aligns with the clear priorities that the Government has set out on reducing poverty, net zero ambitions and sustainable public services, so it is not possible to fund every organisation that applies for funding.

However, as I said at the beginning of my response, I am happy to have a look at the correspondence about Bridgend Farmhouse, and I will write back to Miles Briggs once I have managed to do so.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Question 7 was not lodged and question 8 has been withdrawn, so that concludes portfolio questions on finance and parliamentary business. There will be a brief pause before we move to the next item of business.