‍Speaking following the Chancellor’s budget announcement, Local Recovery campaign director David Gardiner said:

There is a lot for communities to welcome in the Budget - and it is positive that the new UK Government has embraced the principle of supporting communities across the whole of the United Kingdom – and providing the means to make things happen at a local level, in line with local priorities.  

Local Recovery has engaged with the new UK Government since their election in July on the vital importance of this direct funding provision to our communities - and we welcome that ministers have listened.

The Chancellor has protected a number of vital investment programmes that have made a real difference across Scotland. Local councils, volunteers and residents have worked hard to secure commitments from government that investment will flow to support their local areas – and it is right that these are treated as a priority, even when budgets are stretched.

There is, however, still no information on the future of the Community Ownership Fund, which has been on pause since the general election. Local Recovery echoes the views from organisations across the sector, who have outlined the need for clarity and certainty over this vital part of Scotland’s community landscape. We will also be making the case, again, for the real benefits that this fund has provided in cities, towns and villages in all parts of Scotland.

Local Recovery is positive about the new energy investments announced as part of the UK Government’s net zero plans. These will have significant benefits in Scotland – including the two new green hydrogen projects in the Highlands and East Renfrewshire.

We are disappointed that the Chancellor has indicated that the Government is not minded to take forward the multi-million pounds Levelling Up cultural investments outlined by the last government in Perth and Dunfermline. We call on the Government not only to meaningfully consult on these proposals, but for the Chancellor to come and see first-hand the positive plans that have been set out by the local councils to support these two cities and invest in their future.