Moray Labour’s councillors have welcomed the announcement that millions in funding for development projects in Elgin and Moray have been saved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the budget.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has confirmed that both the Levelling Up Fund for Moray (£18.2m) and the Elgin Town Plan (£20m) will be fully funded.
Commenting on the budget, Labour group leader Councillor Sandy Keith said:
“Last month I wrote to the Secretary of State for Scotland to make the case for these two vital projects, and he got back to me very quickly recognising their importance to the local economy. I am delighted that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that both of these projects for Moray will be fully funded.
“The previous government was great at announcing these projects without actually handing over the money – but thanks to the new Labour government the promises that have been made to the people of Elgin and Moray will be delivered in full.”
This Labour budget delivers the largest settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution. It means an additional £1.5 billion for the Scottish Government to spend this financial year and an additional £3.4 billion next year.
Councillor Keith has called on the Scottish Government to pass on a fair share of this historic settlement to Moray:
“Moray Council receives one of the lowest revenue grants per capita from the Scottish Government. This incredibly generous budget settlement means there is headroom to finally address the incredibly unfair funding settlement that Moray has endured for years.”
ENDS.
Notes to editors
Funding for Moray projects has been confirmed as follows: