SNP council chiefs seek payouts direct from £5bn UK fund
SNP council chiefs are bidding for funding directly from the UK Government despite concerns raised by their party.
The Nationalists have accused Tory ministers of trying to bypass devolution by offering direct funding to local authorities for major projects.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will today unveil details of the first phase of projects across the UK which will be paid for by the new £4.8billion Levelling Up Fund.
It will include a series of major projects in Scotland.
Liz Smith, Scottish Tory finance spokesman, said: ‘We welcome the UK Government’s levelling-up package which Scottish councils will benefit from, including SNPrun councils who previously opposed the plans.
‘Despite past scaremongering from the SNP, it’s clear Scotland will benefit hugely from the historic funding package for councils.
‘Additional funding for local councils and communities is something that all councillors should get behind.
‘This innovative fund will help local communities to reach their potential, and shows the positive benefits of working together with our UK government partners to build a brighter Scotland.
Edinburgh City Council, which is jointly led by the SNP and Labour, wants cash for a series of regeneration projects, including a transformation of the Granton gas holder, a ten-15 year transformation of Wester Hailes, several years of housing development at Craigmillar, and walking and cycling initiatives.
SNP-controlled West Dunbartonshire Council has also applied for money for projects in Dumbarton, including the development of the Artizan shopping centre, the transformation of a B-listed building into a library, museum and community facility, and better walking and cycling routes.
Asked about the decision to apply for the fund despite it being opposed by the SNP, Jonathan McColl, leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, said: ‘I think the political games being played here by the UK Government are inappropriate at best.
‘That said, as a council leader, if Government, any government, is making funds available for work that could have a positive impact on the communities I’m elected to serve, I would be doing a poor job for our citizens if I turned my nose up at that opportunity.’
SNP councillor Adam McVey, leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said: ‘Edinburgh’s applications are severely hindered because the UK Tory Government has given our city the lowest possible level of priority.
‘This is unacceptable and just one reason why this process must change to devolve funding decisions to the Scottish parliament.’
In today’s Budget, Mr Sunak will announce the first phase of spending on the Levelling Up Fund, which will pay for £800million of projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as £4billion for England.
He will also announce investments across all UK nations in a new community ownership fund, including local bids to buy community halls and pubs, and the new community renewal fund.
Asked about the funds by the SNP’s Patricia Gibson in the Commons, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: ‘I am pleased to say that a number of SNP MPs... as well as SNP councils, have backed bids to that fund.’
On the new funds replacing EU schemes, SNP Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: ‘I expect full replacement of EU funds to ensure no detriment to Scotland’s finances, and I expect the UK Government to fully respect the devolution settlement in any future arrangements.’
‘Scotland will benefit hugely’