Uncertainty over levelling up cash for Perth and Dunfermline after Budget

by · The Courier

Levelling up cash for Perth and Dunfermline is in doubt after Chancellor Rachel Reeves failed to mention the fund once during her Budget statement.

The levelling up scheme was created by the previous Conservative government with millions promised to Dundee, Perth, Arbroath, Dunfermline and Stirling.

But after the Chancellor’s budget statement on Wednesday, councils were left in limbo about if the cash was coming.

The government has now confirmed £20m projects in Dundee and Arbroath will go ahead, through community regeneration funds.

However £5m ‘cultural’ grants for Perth and Dunfermline are now “under review”

Months of uncertainty ‘over levelling up fund’

It comes after months of unease for communities who had been promised the cash by the previous government.

Labour’s election win in July prompted the uncertainty, then last month  Scottish Secretary Ian Murray told The Courier “everything is under review“.

Here we look at projects which were previously promised funding where they are now:

Dundee – confirmed

£20m was announced during a ministerial visit to the city in May.

Key projects earmarked to benefit include:

  • £5m for Dundee and Angus College towards new campus project
  • £3m Waterfront office block development
  • £2m Dundee city centre regeneration
  • £1.2m Dundee Museum of Transport project at former Forfar Road tram depot
Inside the building that will become the new Dundee Museum of Transport. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

The £16m redevelopment of Bell Street car park is also is expected to be predominantly funded separately by levelling up cash.

Arbroath – confirmed

£20m over 10 years for town transformation projects led by Our Arbroath town board.

Arbroath was announced as part of the long term for towns programme in April.

The town board has already produced a broad plan on the back of feedback from community consultation events.

Dunfermline – under review

  • £5m for Dunfermline projects including:
  • New cultural space at St Margaret’s House
  • Dunfermline Learning Campus outdoor amphitheatre
  • Tower House youth hub
  • Fire Station Creative art gallery improvements on Carnegie Drive.

Perth – under review

A £5m levelling up commitment was given for three city centre projects earlier this year.

Perth city centre is at the heart of levelling up plans. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson
  • £3 million development of Lower City Mills into a tourist attraction
  • Transforming the Ironworks into an exhibition and Unesco City of Craft makers and retail space
  • Creating A Taste of Perth and Kinross outlet for micro-producers

It is understood other projects, including in Glenrothes, Leven and Forthside in Stirling, are secure as these were announced in 2023.