Government £40m growth deal announced in bid to level-up city prospects
THE UK Government has pledged millions towards a new city deal in Scotland.
Falkirk will receive £40m for the area’s ‘growth deal’ from Westminster, it has been announced today.
According to Downing Street officials, it is part of the Government’s plans for ‘levelling up’ the UK, with 10 other areas of Scotland already benefitting from similar deals.
Funding will be put towards potential projects that can boost the economy, by creating skilled jobs. Infrastructure improvements can also be invested in that support sustainable travel, tourism and energy
The UK Government said it will help support Falkirk’s chemical manufacturing industry at Grangemouth.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “We know that City Region and Growth Deals will be vital to Scotland’s economic recovery from coronavirus. The Falkirk Growth Deal will enable the regional economy to innovate, boosting investment and providing sustainable, high-quality jobs.
“The pandemic has called for extraordinary economic measures, and the UK Government has done everything we can to support jobs and businesses. We have supported 900,000 jobs in Scotland with our furlough and self-employed schemes, including 18,500 in Falkirk.
“This new deal brings the UK Government’s investment in growth deals across Scotland to £1.46 billion.
“We look forward to working with our partners in Falkirk and the devolved administration in Scotland to develop innovative and effective proposals.”
Scottish Conservative Central Scotland MSP Alison Harris said:“this announcement is a great boost for everyone who lives or works in Falkirk.
“The area has been in great need of a boost after suffering so badly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and resultant lockdown restrictions.
“The £40 million deal provides serious money to Falkirk and should create opportunities for a huge number of people.”
She said the investment was “proof” of Westminster’s commitment to Scotland’s economy, adding:”it’s more proof that the UK Government is absolutely committed to economic growth in Scotland which creates jobs and opportunities.
“The UK Government is putting its money where its mouth is for Falkirk and towns like it across Scotland.”
Other projects around Scotland which have benefitted from growth deal funding include the North East, with proposals for it to become a centre of expertise on decommissioning and sustainability.
Inverness Castle is to be transformed, the Borders has plans to boost tourism with a mountain biking centre and manufacturing and aerospace clusters are also planned for Scotland.