Lanarkshire MSP Graham Simpson is encouraging North and South Lanarkshire councils to bid for a share of the latest round of UK Government Levelling Up Funding.
The Tory MSP for Central Scotland's call comes as the second round of the fund opened for bids on July 15 and will remain open until midday on Tuesday, August 2.
The first round of funding saw £172 million worth of funding delivered for projects in Scotland, including £38 million for transport upgrades in Renfrewshire, £20 million for an Aberdeen City Centre masterplan, a similar amount for the Artizan Shopping Centre in Dumbarton and £13 million for Pollok Stables in Glasgow.
The latest round will allow MSPs to support two bids in their constituencies, recognising that they often cover more than one council area.
Mr Simpson says that the UK Government’s fund, which is worth £4.8 billion in total can help to deliver projects that communities in Lanarkshire have hoped to see for a number of years.
He has welcomed the funding being handed directly to councils, saying they need empowering to make decision for communities after years of SNP funding cuts.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “I am pleased to see the second round of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund open up for bids.
“This fund has already helped to deliver millions worth of funding across Scotland so I would encourage North and South Lanarkshire Council to ensure they bid for a share of this funding.
“The Levelling Up Funding can help make community projects in Lanarkshire a reality that local people have wished to see for years.
“It will also empower councils by directly giving the money to them, which is exactly what our councils need after years of savage SNP cuts to their budgets.
“The Levelling Up Funding can help our post-pandemic recovery in Lanarkshire and boost job opportunities.
“I hope that the two councils will submit their bids over the next couple of weeks for projects to help rejuvenate communities through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.”
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