Five Scottish regions are to receive £140m of Government funding to support local growth initiatives.
The £140m investment will be distributed over the next three years as part of the Local Growth Fund programme, which is designed to boost economic growth.
As part of the programme, local leaders will be empowered to invest in regional projects such as skills development, infrastructure, and business support, with the aim of supporting ‘skilled jobs and people’s prosperity’.
The areas to benefit from the funding are Glasgow City (£60.9m), Edinburgh & South East (£37.8m), Tay Cities (£19.5m), Ayrshire (£11.8m), and Forth Valley Region (£9.8m), with funding being targeted towards regions with the lowest Real Disposable Household Income (RDHI) per capita.
According to the Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, the Government will also be working with local partners to ‘develop investment plans tailored to each region’.
He added: ‘By investing in local areas, reducing child poverty, and bringing down inflation, the UK Government is focused on delivering material change to people across the country – boosting living standards and improving public services.’
