Victims of the weekend’s fatal fire in Perth are set to receive emergency funding from the council.
A proposed package of enhanced support will be brought to the finance and resources committee for a vote next week.
The move was agreed following a last-minute motion to the full Perth and Kinross Council on Wednesday.
Deputy council leader Eric Drysdale also confirmed the Scottish Government will provide additional funding to help with the cost of dealing with the tragedy.
One man died and a child is recovering following the blaze which broke out above the Royal Bar on Scott Street on Friday night.
Fifty families have been left homeless, businesses have had to close and the building is now being demolished.
Council applauds public response to Perth fire
Mr Drysdale spoke at length about the blaze and its aftermath.
The Perth city centre councillor hailed the courage and dedication of firefighters and other emergency crews, as well as council teams and the Red Cross.
“It is very clear that the rapid response and evacuation tactics did save lives,” he said.
And he also saluted the response from the community and businesses.
A visibly moved Mr Drysdale said: “I’m not Perth born and bred. But I have lived here for over 30 years and I can say I have never seen such community spirit, such a coming together and outpouring of generosity.”
He said public support had ranged from a brand new pram and hundreds of donations of essentials to offers of accommodation for people left with nothing after the fire.
Mr Drysdale returned to the podium with an update during the discussion of plans for a new PH2O leisure centre at Thimblerow.
He said the Scottish Government had just confirmed it has activated the Bellwin scheme.
It exists to provide extra cash to local councils in the event of major emergencies.
It comes after First Minister John Swinney visited the scene of Saturday’s blaze on Tuesday.
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