£65 million for Moray Growth Deal
The UK and Scottish governments have jointly announced £65 million for the Moray Growth Deal to help unlock the region’s economic potential.
The announcement of equal funding was made by The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington, alongside the Scottish Government Minister Richard Lochhead on a joint visit to Moray College UHI.
This funding will support projects that focus on employability and skills programmes, manufacturing innovation, tourism as well as vital improvements to digital connectivity and regeneration. The funding levels for specific projects will be confirmed at a future date.
Mr Lidington said:
“The UK Government is committed to supporting economic growth in Moray and I am delighted to announce £32.5 million in funding. This transformative package of support will boost the region’s economy by helping to attract and retain people to live and work in the area.
“These deals are a key part of the UK Government’s long-standing commitment to invest directly in Scotland’s future. They give communities the financial backing to develop projects that place Scotland at the forefront of innovation, technology and connectivity.
“As we work alongside the Scottish Government and local partners, this deal will help unlock the region’s economic potential for inclusive growth including supporting local services and attracting businesses.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:
“This Moray Growth Deal is a wonderful opportunity for the UK Government and partners to boost the economy of the region with a range of transformational projects.
“The UK Government is working to create opportunities, jobs and long-term growth right across Scotland, and so far have committed £1.39 billion in city and growth deals to achieve this.”
Scottish Government Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“The Moray Growth Deal will make a real lasting difference to the future of the region and inject confidence into the economy, improving the quality of life for local people.
“Successful delivery of this deal will create new high-value jobs, help safeguard the local economy and strengthen Moray’s communities. I am grateful to Moray Council and all their partners for their hard work in getting to this stage, and I recognise the important involvement of the community in developing the deal proposals.
“We will continue our dialogue with our Moray partners on projects that will have a transformative effect on the Moray economy. We will announce a Heads of Terms agreement as soon as possible, which will specify which projects will be supported by this significant joint investment.
“The Scottish Government has so far committed more than £1.7 billion over the next 10 to 20 years to City Region and Growth Deals and related investments across Scotland.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For further information contact the press office of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 0131 244 9028.