Scottish Labour criticises cuts to anti-sectarianism funding

Scottish Labour has highlighted cuts to the budget used to fund anti-sectarianism initiatives ahead of a crucial debate on repealing legislation aimed at tackling the issue.

Figures provided by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre show the Safer Communities budget was reduced each year from 2014/15 to 2017/18.

Funding is set to rise to £5.66 million in cash terms in 2018/19, up from £4.07 million in 2017/18, according to the data.

However it is still down on 2014/15 figures, when the budget stood at £8 million.

Scottish Labour MSP James Kelly has criticised the reduction in funding ahead of Thursday's stage one debate on his bill to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.

The legislation aimed at addressing sectarianism in football was brought forward by the SNP while it had a majority in the last parliament.

However there is cross-party support from all the opposition parties to scrap it, with Mr Kelly arguing it is unworkable and unfairly targets football fans.

He called on ministers to “reset'' their approach on sectarianism, and to use education to change views instead of the law.

Mr Kelly said: “Instead of working with fans and investing in projects that actually change views, they have cut money from vital charities and services while at the same time doggedly pursuing the Football Act at every turn.

“The Football Act has horrendously backfired because it is entirely the wrong approach. Fans have lost all trust in the police and attention has been diverted away from methods which actually tackle sectarianism, like through education.

“Thursday's vote might just be the prompt the SNP needs to realise the Football Act has to go - and to re-invest in funding for anti-sectarian projects.'