A multibillion-pound fund to drive social mobility and level up opportunity is being extended across the UK, and will be prioritised for the Scottish Borders.
The UK Government confirmed that a new £4.8 billion fund will be invested in local projects across the country and will support local communities by working with local councils.
The fund will support projects such as town centre regeneration, local transport improvements, as well as culture and heritage projects.
Scottish Borders has been allocated as a Priority Group 1, meaning that it has been identified as an area with the highest levels of need. The index is based on a combination of metrics including need for economic recovery and growth, need for improved transport connectivity and need for regeneration.
The fund will run from 2021/22 to 2024/25, and drive regeneration in areas that have received less government investment in recent years.
In the first round of funding, the UK Government will prioritise projects which are able to demonstrate investment or begin delivery on the ground in the 2021-22 financial year.
Bids for an individual project or package bids can request up to £20 million of funding.
It is also designed to help communities like those in the Borders build back better from Covid who have been badly hit economically.
Along with the government’s plans for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which replaces EU funding, the Levelling Up Fund will ensure a package of UK Government support which invests in skills, infrastructure, and innovation at local, regional, and national levels.
Since 2015, the UK government has invested billions in local growth funding across 20 City and Growth Deals across the UK, including the Borderlands Growth Deal.
Cllr Shona Haslam, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, recently met with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, and Secretary of State for Communities, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, to discuss the new funding available.
John Lamont MP said:
“The UK wide Levelling Up Fund is a great example of the UK Government investing in the people of Scotland. It will help to increase opportunity in areas often passed over by government investment.
“For places like the Borders to thrive, we need to keep our young people living and working in our communities. Too many are forced to leave the Borders to find employment and education opportunities.
“Proper investment will boost economic growth and boost opportunity, making our area more attractive for businesses and workers to locate to.
“I welcome that more details have now been published. I look forward to working with Scottish Borders Council on finding projects that can be successful in the bidding process.”
Cllr Shona Haslam, said:
“If Scottish Borders Council were to be successful in our funding bid, it could be truly transformational for our communities. There is serious money available to help us improve our area.
“I’ve already spoken with the Chief Secretary and the Communities Secretary and I believe we are well placed to put forward a competitive bid.
“For too long the Scottish Government has cut away at our funding, straining SBC and the services we provide to the max.
“I am glad to see the UK Government step in and boost funding to improve Scottish communities.
