Opposition councillors in Perth and Kinross have united to call for a reevaluation of the £5 million Levelling Up funding loss for the city. Last week, SNP MP Pete Wishart expressed disappointment to Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the withdrawal of funding for three key projects in Perth, urging the government to reinstate the money. Grant Laing, the SNP leader in PKC, criticised the decision by the UK Government, describing it as short-sighted and extremely disappointing.
The three projects that were set to benefit from the funding include the £3 million restoration of Perth’s Lower City Mills, a £1.5 million conversion of a former city foundry into an exhibition and workspace, and £500,000 to transform a vacant High Street tourism centre into a shopfront for local food and drink businesses.
Following suit, Conservative leader John Duff and the only Labour councillor in PKC have also penned a letter to the chancellor urging her to reconsider the funding cut. Councillors Duff and Bailey have requested that Perth and Kinross be prioritised for any replacement funds from the UK Government’s Levelling Up scheme.
Councillor Duff expressed his disappointment over the sudden withdrawal of funds, emphasizing the impact it would have on the city’s recovery efforts. He highlighted the importance of the projects in revitalizing the city centre and expressed hope for future funding without restrictive conditions attached. Councillor Bailey echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for fair consideration of Perth and Kinross in any future funding allocations.
The Levelling Up Fund was established by the previous Conservative government to allocate grants across various regions post-EU Exit. In the recent spring budget, Perth was earmarked to receive £5 million for the identified projects. However, the government has indicated a potential withdrawal of funding due to the need for savings. A final decision will be made following a consultation process with the affected areas.
As the community awaits the outcome of the consultation, the call for a reassessment of the Levelling Up funding decision has garnered support from councillors across party lines in Perth and Kinross. The future of these crucial projects hangs in the balance, with hopes for a positive resolution to secure the funding needed for Perth’s development and regeneration efforts.
**Insights and Summary:**
The joint effort by opposition councillors in Perth and Kinross to push for a reconsideration of the lost Levelling Up funding showcases a unified front in advocating for the city’s development projects. The funding cuts have raised concerns about the future of vital initiatives aimed at revitalising Perth’s urban landscape and boosting the local economy. The collaborative approach by councillors from different political backgrounds underscores the significance of these projects for the community and reflects a shared commitment to securing the necessary resources for Perth’s growth. As the consultation process unfolds, stakeholders will be eagerly anticipating a positive outcome to ensure that Perth’s development agenda remains on track.