Dundee requests clarification over Levelling Up funding
Dundee City Council leader Mark Flynn has written to the UK Government seeking further assurances on Levelling Up Partnership-funded investment allocated for the city.
A £20 million figure was originally allocated following a visit from the previous UK Government administration’s Levelling Up minister Jacob Young who visited Dundee outlining a range of projects that would receive funding.
Projects identified for support from the Levelling Up Fund have included more than £2m to improve access to housing and boost regeneration in the city centre, including by refurbishing vacant properties, and reviewing the condition of the local private rented sector.
Recently, the UK Government’s budget took place and a letter of response from Secretary of State for Scotland Rt Hon Ian Murray MP stated a commitment of up to £20m through the previous Government’s Levelling Up Partnerships programme as well as the full £150m for the Tay Cities Region Deal.
Council leader Mark Flynn has asked for further clarity on the spend profile, confirmation of the full £20m subject to the necessary business cases and detail on flexibility through partnership working to consider alternative projects where business cases for original projects may not be agreed.
Cllr Flynn said: “Dundee City has many exciting projects which would clearly benefit in a positive way through this funding approach and I am keen that officers are engaged at the earliest opportunity in an effort to progress this work.”
Cllr Flynn also asked for further detail on the UK-wide 2025/26 allocation of £900m funding being provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
He added: “It is important to also stress that it is essential that Local Government and its partners, including the voluntary and third sector as well as cultural agencies, receive full funding for the additional costs associated with the increase in National Insurance as outlined by the Chancellor at the Budget for 2025/26.”