Perthshire Conservatives Murdo Fraser MSP and Councillor John Duff have given their backing to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), stating it should provide valuable money for local projects.
The UKSPF is the UK government replacement for the EU structural funds and is a central pillar of the UK government’s ambitious Levelling Up agenda and a significant component of its support for places across the UK.
The fund was launched in April and a Senior External Funding Officer was appointed in June by Perth and Kinross Council.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has to be welcomed and it is another very useful scheme launched by the UK Government, which will help local authorities and communities across Scotland. We would encourage local community groups to apply for funding from it.
“We have already seen the Kinloch Rannoch Hub (formerly the Outdoor Centre there) being awarded £250,000 from the Community Ownership fund to help set up the new community premises in the village. Funding can be used for various uses.”
Mr Fraser continued: “Perth and Kinross have a three-year allocation from the Prosperity Fund, totalling £5.72 million and we know that regional discussions with key project management officers within the Tay Cities Region Deal have taken place to identify regional collaboration projects.”
And Councillor Duff added: “These UK Government funds are coming at an extremely welcome time. With their aim of helping to boost the economy, improve public services and increase pride in our communities, I am certain that many groups will want to take advantage of these Shared Prosperity Fund opportunities. I look forward to working with our communities and officers to deliver the significant benefits that these funds can bring.”
