Moray MP Douglas Ross has “warmly welcomed” news that the UK Government have given the ‘green light’ to Moray Council’s share of over £4 million worth of bids they submitted to the Shared Prosperity Fund.
The news has also been welcomed by Moray Conservative group leader and Leader of the Council Councillor Kathleen Robertson.
Having submitted the bids totalling £4.3 million worth of projects during the summer, the UK Government have now announced that all plans submitted by Scotland’s local authorities have been approved, including those made by Moray Council.
In total Moray Council will receive £4,315,329 worth of funding.
Ahead of the bidding process Moray Council outlined that over £700,000 of the funding would be used to support adults with no or low-level maths skills, to help boost employment in the area.
The funding which will cover a three-year period until March 2025 focuses on three key priorities, community and place; supporting local businesses and people and skills, with Scotland receiving a £212 million share from the UK Government.
Douglas Ross says this is another example of the UK Government delivering “tangible benefits” for Moray and that the approval of the plans submitted by the council comes at a “vital time” as the region grapples with the tough economic climate.
Kathleen Robertson added that she is “delighted” that the strong bid from Moray Council has been successful and that the Conservative-led council will continue to apply to similar funds in order to boost investment in Moray.
Both Douglas and Kathleen say they will now liaise closely with local organisations and communities to ensure that the funding reaches those who need it most.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “The approval of the plans that were submitted by Moray Council to this crucial fund is hugely positive news for Moray and our local communities.
“It is yet another example of how the UK Government is delivering tangible benefits for Moray and its people, communities and businesses.
“The total of over £4 million from the fund that will be delivered to Moray comes at such a vital time as our area grapples with extremely tough economic challenges right now.
“The focus of this funding will deliver vital resources to those who need it most, including businesses who are going through a tough time and boosting the skillset of adults, which will help to boost employment in the area.
“I will liaise closely with councillor colleagues in Moray Council to ensure that this funding reaches those who need it most, now the UK Government have given the green light.”
Moray Conservative council group leader Kathleen Robertson said: “I am absolutely delighted that the strong bid for Moray Council has been successful in its submission to the UK Government.
“We have already outlined where significant amounts of this funding will be delivered to and how it will improve the lives of people living and working right across Moray.
“The Shared Prosperity Fund is one example of how UK Government funding can create new opportunities for our communities over the next few years and Moray Council have submitted further proposals to other similar funds led by the UK Government.
“Working closely with council officials and other elected representatives including Douglas Ross, I am extremely keen to guarantee this £4 million plus boost for Moray is passed on to organisations and people to whom it will make the most difference.”