Local Recovery has welcomed the UK Government’s recent long-term commitments to investing in Scotland’s communities.

Following the 2025 spending review and the review of the UK Internal Market Act, a range of key initiatives that provide UK-wide support for regions and communities in Scotland have been assured.

This follows active campaigning by Local Recovery, alongside its 10,000 strong signed-up supporter network, to secure these vital programmes and the positive legacy of UK investment across every part of Scotland.

Following this success, Local Recovery will be reviewing how it can evolve for the coming months and years –continuing to champion Scotland’s communities and advocate for local democracy and participation.

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Local Recovery campaign director David Gardiner said:

“Beginning in 2022, Local Recovery’s main purpose has been making the case for investment in Scotland’s communities - putting local people in the driving seat of change and regeneration. We have wanted to see government at all levels working together to ensure that local priorities are central to decision-making.

“Over the last 18 months, one of our key areas of work was ensuring that successful programmes initiated by the UK Government in Scotland were secured for the future and continued to make real, transformative change in Scotland’s cities, towns and villages. Against a challenging backdrop for public spending, we are delighted to see these initiatives being embedded and additional funding made available to them.

“The UK Government’s recent spending review provided continued multi-year commitments to growth deals, investment zones, green freeports – as well as a new locally focused growth fund. Earlier announcements have secured the UK Plan for Neighbourhoods and Community Regeneration Partnerships, bringing investment opportunities to areas and towns across Scotland.

“In total, these programmes, alongside the previous government’s Levelling Up programme, have been worth more than £3 billion to Scotland’s communities, with the intention of leveraging even greater external investment. This funding has been responsible for large-scale regeneration projects in city centres, saving vital community buildings, investing in cultural assets like the Edinburgh Filmhouse – and protecting communities with projects like renewing the Fair Isle ferry service.

“Meanwhile at Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee has delivered a positive verdict on Scotland’s city region and regional growth deals, initiated by the UK Government in 2014. Local Recovery supports the view that regional deals should continue, adapting to changing conditions – and bringing forward greater local decision-making and accountability.

“The upcoming Scottish Parliament elections next year mean that, as a non-partisan organisation, some of our public-facing work may become quieter. However we will be looking towards the long-term and exploring how Local Recovery can continue to fight to give communities a voice and support investment across Scotland that aligns with local priorities.

“With that in mind, I would like to thank our supporters and those many people who have helped our organisation on its journey so far.”