Councillors agree £1m investment in mid Fife’s future

Fife Council has confirmed a £1 million investment for economic development in mid Fife in the coming year.

The decision was made by members of the policy and coordination committee following a review of the final position of the council’s budgets for 2017-18.

Council co-leader David Ross said: “When we set the budget for 2018-19 in February, we committed to putting £1m more into economic development and health and social care if there was enough surplus from 2017-18.

“Surplus budget arises if some departments don’t need to spend as much or some services don’t cost as much as we expect during the given year.

“The funds are available and the committee agreed to split the additional £1m equally between the Cowdenbeath, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth areas.

“It’s these parts of Fife that face the greatest economic challenges, so this funding will help build a fairer Fife with opportunities for everyone.”

Co-leader David Alexander added: “Our Plan for Fife is based on solid research.

“We know that, in general, the mid Fife area isn’t doing as well as should be expected based on its demographics.

“Communities are facing high levels of deprivation, significant unemployment, disconnected neighbourhoods and poorer health than other parts of Fife. “We’ve got to turn this around.” The decision means £250,000 will be added to each of the existing local community planning budgets for Cowdenbeath, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth.

“Local councillors on the area committees will work with officers and communities to decide how this money can be put to best use to develop their local economy,” Mr Alexander said.

A £1m enhancement to the council’s funding for the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership was also agreed.