Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville quizzes Fife Council

Shirley-Anne Somerville said the cash could make a big difference to the lives of local residents and called on Fife Council to take "urgent action".

The SNP MSP said a freedom of information request had revealed the City of Dunfermline area committee received £1.26 million from the community recovery fund and just over £215,000 was still to be allocated.

However, a senior councillor pointed out that applications for the money were set to come to the next committee meeting and they would take their time to ensure the public "get the best value for money".

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Ms Somerville said: "It is concerning that over £200,000 in funding intended to improve our city has so far been left unused.

Dunfermline SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville. (Image: Contributed)

"This money could make a significant difference to the lives of residents in Dunfermline, supporting local initiatives, improving facilities and driving forward positive change.

"I can't help but see this as a missed opportunity by Fife Council, who often complain they don't have adequate resources to support communities.

"We need urgent action from the local authority to ensure this funding is put to good use as quickly as possible."

In August 2022 the council put £10m into a community recovery fund with each of the seven area committees given an allocation to spend over two years.

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The aim was to help communities to recover from the pandemic and cope with the rapid rise in the cost of living.

Last April councillors agreed funding of more than £700,000 for 11 community projects, including £197,000 to set up a new greenspace charity, £150,000 for a city status conference and £100,000 for a new advice hub in the Kingsgate Shopping Centre.

A spend of more than £280,000 was rubber-stamped in June for another four schemes, such as £100,000 for a 'steading for wellbeing' in the Glen, £60,000 for St Leonard's playpark and £60,000 for additional allotments in Crossford.

The convener of the City of Dunfermline area committee, Lib Dem councillor James Calder. (Image: Fife Council)

And in February of this year £10,000 was put towards an ecological study at Townhill Loch.

The convener of the area committee, Lib Dem councillor James Calder, said there was no need for an FOI and told the Press: "It's public knowledge what's been spent so far and the vast majority of the money has already been allocated.

"So, yes, there is still funding and we are going to spend it.

"There are proposals coming to the next area committee to decide on where it can go.

"The positive aspect for Dunfermline is we're not going to rush and spend this money on projects without making a fully informed decision.

"We want to make sure we consider this properly and that the public get the best value for money on this."