Moray MP Douglas Ross has ‘warmly welcomed’ further progress on a towns fund for Elgin from the UK Government.
Douglas – who had met with levelling up minister Jacob Young last week to discuss the £20 million funding that was announced for Elgin in October by the UK Government – has now received a letter confirming the next steps as to how the fund will work.
The news has also been welcomed by Moray Council leader and General Election candidate Kathleen Robertson who says she is “fully committed” to working with local stakeholders to ensure the funding helps to regenerate Elgin.
The letter sent by Jacob Young to Douglas confirms that town boards should be established by 1 April 2024, which will be chaired by an independent representative, with a long-term plan from Elgin due to be submitted by August 1 2024.
Douglas says the £20 million fund is “further evidence” of the UK Government’s commitment to levelling up all parts of the United Kingdom and that he will work closely with the towns board, as the local MP.
Kathleen Robertson added that the funding is in “sharp contrast” to the SNP-Green government who have imposed “savage” cuts on Moray Council year after year.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the levelling up minister last week to discuss the £20 million the UK Government will be investing in Elgin through the Towns Fund.
“This letter from Jacob Young confirms the welcome progress that is being made and what steps we will need to take in the coming months to turn this investment into action on the ground.
“As the local MP, I am looking forward to working with local stakeholders to bring forward a vision for the town over the next decade to help support exciting projects in the area and create new opportunities for people living and working here.
“The £20million fund is further evidence of the UK Government’s commitment to levelling up parts of our country. Only seven towns in Scotland are receiving this additional funding so I am delighted that this significant investment is making its way to Moray."
Moray Council leader and Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey General Election candidate Kathleen Robertson added: “I was delighted when this funding was announced from the UK Government and it is really positive to see the next steps being outlined by the levelling up minister.
“As the local council leader I am fully committed to working closely with a towns board and all interested parties to ensure the £20 million benefits Elgin and the surrounding areas.
“This boost from the UK Government is in sharp contrast to the SNP-Green government who have continued to impose savage cuts on Moray Council year after year, which has put immense pressure on local services.”
