Further to last week’s report on the East Lothian Council budget discussions, and the comments made regarding area partnerships in particular, we would like to take this opportunity to make clear their role, and the significant benefits they bring to their communities.

For the last 10 years, the six East Lothian area partnerships have been working to reduce the effects of inequality, in all its forms, in their communities.

We do this in many ways but, with budgets in mind, primarily through sharing the resources allocated to us by East Lothian Council.

These resources include working with specific East Lothian Council departments and a general fund that can be drawn on each year.

Our decisions on how resources are utilised are made according to the priorities outlined in each of our area plans, details of which can be found on the East Lothian Council website.

Your readers may be interested in the following statistics.

The North Berwick Coastal Area, specifically mentioned in the article, has been allocated £50,000 per year from the general fund.

During the post-Covid period between October 2020 and January 2024, we have awarded approximately £196,000 to 58 different projects, ranging from litter-picking equipment, noticeboards, projects for improving accessibility and facilities for young people, to activities supporting positive mental health.

We have supported young and old alike and have made a real difference to many in need in our community.

It is also worth pointing out that our ‘seed’ funding has brought in a further £700,000 to the area through matched funding.

It is fair to say that the other areas present a similar picture of limited resources being utilised for significant local community benefit.

In our view, however, our most important resource is the membership of the six area partnerships.

These members represent a wide variety of groups and organisations (including community councils) from across the community.

They are volunteers (the exception being East Lothian councillors) willing to invest significant time and energy in the partnership in order to make their communities a better place for all.

They should be applauded for what they have and can continue to achieve and not have their efforts disregarded or rubbished as was implied in the article.

They deserve better than being the focus of political point-scoring.

Hilary Smith

Chair, North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership

Jacquie Bell

Chair, Dunbar and East Linton Area Partnership