Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has welcomed the UK Government’s outline of the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will support local priorities across the region from this year.
Communities across the UK will benefit from a £2.6 billion funding allocation from now until March 2025, with specific funding focused on the Highlands and Islands region. This will recognise the distinct issues that arise in areas with lower population density like the Highlands and the additional costs for remote and rural communities
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund replaces the former EU structural funds. The announcement from the UK Government sets out how the new fund will be locally led, providing additional flexibility to focus support on local needs in areas such as regeneration, economic improvement and reversing geographical inequalities.
Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“It is vital in the Highlands and Islands that funding support is directed to local priorities. That is why I welcome the work that has been done by the UK Government to create the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund and to cut back the bureaucracy that characterised the old EU structural funds that it replaces.
“This announcement confirms that millions of pounds will be available from the UK Government to support communities in the region, reflecting guarantees on structural funds that were made after the vote to leave the EU.
“But what is most important is that local leaders will be empowered to harness the new UKSPF to deliver on the priorities that matter to people locally. Whether that be improving connectivity, supporting our diverse local economies or building local skills and jobs – our communities should have their say.”
