| AdminHistory | The provision of social and recreational facilities embracing cultural, education, recreational and other pursuits was mainly the statutory responsibility of the local authorities. The extent to which the Corporation could contribute financial assistance to these areas was limited to a total based on the target population of the town and calculated at the creation of the Corporation.
The intention of the Corporation making a financial contribution was to encourage the provision of buildings and other features when they were needed. Examples of such buildings include swimming pools, sports centres, community and youth centres and civic theatres. The Corporation's contribution was limited to initial financing costs and could not be allocated to ongoing running costs.
The Major Amenities Fund was, initially, a once only pot, calculated on the total target population of the town, from which funds for major projects could be taken. All projects financed by the Major Amenities Fund required the approval of the Secretary of State for Scotland. The Major Amenities fund was financed from money borrowed from the Scottish State Department and was repayable by the Corporation.
The Minor Amenities Fund was an annually replenished fund from which small grants could be made to fledgling community groups and sports associations for the purchase of equipment etc.
By the early 1970s it was evident that the formula used to calculate the Major Amenities fund was inadequate and in a meeting between The Scottish Office and representatives of the Scottish New Towns it was agreed that the formula would be reworked to increase the size of the Major Amenities Fund so that adequate social facilities could be built. |