Scottish councils urged to apply for share of £4.8bn funding

Councils across Scotland are being urged to apply for a share of the UK Government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund.

The fund is being made available for projects such as improving town centres, local transport, supporting local heritage and cultural assets.

A deadline of August 2 has been set for applications for the funding.

The Government has said that a high number of local authorities in Scotland have already applied.

However, councils who have not yet done so are being urged to submit their applications.

Eight projects in Scotland received a combined £171m as part of the first round of funding last year.

It included £16.48m to transform Granton waterfront near Edinburgh, and £19.9m in Dumbarton to partially demolish and then regenerate its central shopping precinct.

Speaking ahead of the latest round of bids arriving, levelling up secretary Greg Clark MP stated the projects will make a “big difference” to communities.

“I am determined that we will go full steam ahead to back proposals that will make a big difference to public places,” said Clark.

“The UK Levelling Up Fund is bringing to life things that will make a big difference to local communities and I look forward to seeing many great projects get the green light.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack urged councils to submit their bids by the deadline next month.

“The UK Government is focussed on growing our economy and levelling up opportunities across the country,” he said.

“Backed by £2bn direct funding, we are supporting transformative projects the length and breadth of Scotland that will improve everyday lives.

“I urge councils, working with their communities, to put bids in by August 2 for the next round of the Levelling Up Fund so as many local areas as possible can benefit from regenerative schemes such as improving town centres, boosting local transport links and supporting cultural and historical assets.”