Perth and Kinross has once again been left out of a significant UK Government community regeneration scheme, prompting strong criticism from local SNP MP Pete Wishart. The decision, which saw other Scottish regions like Fife and Dundee receive substantial investment, has reignited concerns about the area’s ongoing struggle to secure central government funding for vital projects.
This latest omission from the new ‘Pride in Place’ initiative follows a previous setback for Perth. Under the former Conservative administration, the Fair City had been allocated £5 million through the ‘Levelling Up’ fund, earmarked for three distinct cultural ventures intended to revitalise Perth City Centre. However, this funding was controversially rescinded by the incoming Labour government last year, which cited a lack of allocated budget to honour the commitment. A History of Missed Opportunities
The consecutive exclusion leaves Perth and Kinross in an unenviable position, standing as one of the few council areas across Scotland that has yet to receive any substantial community regeneration funds from either the prior ‘Levelling Up’ scheme or the current ‘Pride in Place’ program. This sequence of events has led local representatives to voice growing frustration, characterising the situation as a clear indication of Westminster’s persistent oversight of the region.
Pete Wishart, Member of Parliament for Perth and Kinross, brought this matter directly to the House of Commons. During a session, he pressed Scotland Minister Kirsty McNeill on when Perth and Kinross could expect to receive its equitable share of investment, highlighting the disparity in funding distribution across Scotland. Ministerial Response and Data Scrutiny
In her response, Ms. McNeill defended the government’s approach, stating that the allocation of ‘Pride in Place’ funds was based on a “progressive formula.” This formula, she explained, utilised data to ensure that financial support was directed towards areas with the most pressing needs, thereby aiming to put money “into the pockets of those who need it most.”
However, the Minister also took the opportunity to redirect scrutiny towards the devolved administration. She challenged Mr. Wishart, suggesting that if he was indeed concerned about the whereabouts of funds destined for Perth and Kinross, he should address his questions to the First Minister of Scotland, pointing out that the Scottish Government had received over £5 billion in block grants. “His constituents will be asking, ‘Where’s the money gone, John?’” Ms. McNeill asserted, implying that the responsibility for local investment might lie elsewhere. Demand for Transparency and Fair Treatment
Unconvinced by the explanation, Mr. Wishart has indicated his intention to formally request detailed information from the government regarding the “mysterious formula” used in these funding decisions. He emphasised that communities throughout Perth and Kinross face similar challenges to those in other parts of the country that have received funding, from supporting local businesses to enhancing public spaces and cultural institutions.
The MP’s demand for clarity underscores a broader desire within Perth and Kinross for transparent and consistent investment policies from the central government. The continuous cycle of promise and withdrawal, or outright exclusion, has left many local residents and community leaders feeling undervalued. They argue that equitable access to national regeneration funds is crucial for fostering sustainable growth, creating job opportunities, and improving the quality of life for everyone in the region, rather than being subjected to what is perceived as a ‘pattern of neglect.’
The lack of funding not only impacts large-scale cultural developments in Perth City Centre but also affects smaller community-led initiatives that rely on external grants to thrive. The ongoing debate highlights the complex interplay between different levels of government and the critical need for robust, fair, and clearly communicated investment strategies that genuinely benefit all regions.
This latest omission from the new ‘Pride in Place’ initiative follows a previous setback for Perth. Under the former Conservative administration, the Fair City had been allocated £5 million through the ‘Levelling Up’ fund, earmarked for three distinct cultural ventures intended to revitalise Perth City Centre. However, this funding was controversially rescinded by the incoming Labour government last year, which cited a lack of allocated budget to honour the commitment. A History of Missed Opportunities
The consecutive exclusion leaves Perth and Kinross in an unenviable position, standing as one of the few council areas across Scotland that has yet to receive any substantial community regeneration funds from either the prior ‘Levelling Up’ scheme or the current ‘Pride in Place’ program. This sequence of events has led local representatives to voice growing frustration, characterising the situation as a clear indication of Westminster’s persistent oversight of the region.
Pete Wishart, Member of Parliament for Perth and Kinross, brought this matter directly to the House of Commons. During a session, he pressed Scotland Minister Kirsty McNeill on when Perth and Kinross could expect to receive its equitable share of investment, highlighting the disparity in funding distribution across Scotland. Ministerial Response and Data Scrutiny
In her response, Ms. McNeill defended the government’s approach, stating that the allocation of ‘Pride in Place’ funds was based on a “progressive formula.” This formula, she explained, utilised data to ensure that financial support was directed towards areas with the most pressing needs, thereby aiming to put money “into the pockets of those who need it most.”
However, the Minister also took the opportunity to redirect scrutiny towards the devolved administration. She challenged Mr. Wishart, suggesting that if he was indeed concerned about the whereabouts of funds destined for Perth and Kinross, he should address his questions to the First Minister of Scotland, pointing out that the Scottish Government had received over £5 billion in block grants. “His constituents will be asking, ‘Where’s the money gone, John?’” Ms. McNeill asserted, implying that the responsibility for local investment might lie elsewhere. Demand for Transparency and Fair Treatment
Unconvinced by the explanation, Mr. Wishart has indicated his intention to formally request detailed information from the government regarding the “mysterious formula” used in these funding decisions. He emphasised that communities throughout Perth and Kinross face similar challenges to those in other parts of the country that have received funding, from supporting local businesses to enhancing public spaces and cultural institutions.
The MP’s demand for clarity underscores a broader desire within Perth and Kinross for transparent and consistent investment policies from the central government. The continuous cycle of promise and withdrawal, or outright exclusion, has left many local residents and community leaders feeling undervalued. They argue that equitable access to national regeneration funds is crucial for fostering sustainable growth, creating job opportunities, and improving the quality of life for everyone in the region, rather than being subjected to what is perceived as a ‘pattern of neglect.’
The lack of funding not only impacts large-scale cultural developments in Perth City Centre but also affects smaller community-led initiatives that rely on external grants to thrive. The ongoing debate highlights the complex interplay between different levels of government and the critical need for robust, fair, and clearly communicated investment strategies that genuinely benefit all regions.