Scots political duo demand restoration of slashed Coalfields funding

A FIFE councillor and an MSP have written to the Scottish Authorities to demand the restoration of funding for former coalfield regeneration.

The funding offered to the Coalfields Regeneration Belief‘s (CRT) finances has been lower by 60%.

Councillor Graeme Downie for Labour, West Fife & Coastal Villages and Alex Rowley MSP for Labour, Mid-Scotland & Fife have written to Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cupboard Secretary for Social Justice.

The pair urged Ms. Somerville – who can be the native MSP for Dunfermline, which encompasses West Fife – to revive £100k of funding to the CRT which has been lower this 12 months.

Cllr. Downie and Mr. Rowley are involved the funding lower will impression important programmes in former coal-mining areas of West Fife and throughout the Kingdom. 

These tasks presently embrace regeneration of the native space, growing the capability of native teams and charities and the Sport On challenge which makes use of soccer to enhance the well being and wellbeing of native communities. 

The newest lower in grant from the Scottish Authorities equates to £750k to £650k in money phrases, comes on high of a freeze since 2011, which means CRT has seen an actual phrases discount of over £400k or virtually 60% of their whole finances within the final 12 years.

Councillor Graeme Downie mentioned: “The Coalfields Regeneration Belief are a significant a part of the area people within the villages of West Fife and throughout the remainder of the Kingdom of Fife.”

“These additional savage cuts by the SNP could have a huge effect on communities throughout West Fife and elsewhere round Dunfermline and past.”

“The SNP haven’t any excuse for taking this motion now having already frozen their contribution for over a decade.”

“Shirley-Anne Somerville should reverse this determination and restore the £100k of funding for subsequent 12 months instantly.”

“If she doesn’t she shall be hurting individuals inside her personal constituency in addition to in different elements of Fife.”

Alex Rowley MSP, mentioned: “Within the midst of the worst cost-of-living disaster in a long time and native authority finances cuts which can be pressuring public providers to breaking level, we want the work of organisations such because the Coalfields Regeneration Belief now greater than ever.”

“Simply final 12 months, Shirley-Anne Somerville was thanking the Coalfields Regeneration Belief on the SNP convention for the excellent work they do in our constituency– if she is actually grateful, she’s going to reverse the choice to chop £100k from their finances, which is able to enable them to proceed their important work.”

“The Coalfields Regeneration Belief has a confirmed monitor file and is uniquely positioned to help regeneration at an area stage throughout the previous coalfield communities of Fife – we should do all that we are able to to make sure a safe future for this nice organisation.”