Tag: Budget 2021

Council welcomes Levelling Up cash for waterfront development

Edinburgh has welcomed yesterday’s UK Government announcement of £16.482 million funding to help the Council unlock the first phase of the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.

This includes the restoration of the B-listed Granton gas holder. Bringing this site back into public use will help deliver one of the most sustainable new coastal towns in Scotland.

This project recently took a major step forward when the Outline Business Case to develop plans for a first phase of regeneration in the area was agreed.

Over the next 15 years, 3,500 net-zero carbon homes, a primary school, health centre, commercial and cultural spaces, sustainable transport provision and a new coastal park are all planned. The city council is already progressing with the delivery of around 660 Council-led homes and there’s been positive progress in growing a cultural and arts cluster.

Council leader Adam McVey said: “We are pleased to see this funding to help support our vision for a new Granton waterfront. Our plans will enhance the City’s coastline and deliver sustainment development with culture, green space and local education and employment at its heart.

“Restoring the gas holder for public use will undoubtedly help attract future investment to regenerate the area and the Council is committed to continue to work with both The UK and Scottish Governments as well and other key partners in delivering the maximum benefit for our communities.”

Depute leader and lead on Granton Waterfront regeneration Cammy Day said: “This funding is very welcome and demonstrates the momentum and progress we’re making to transform used brownfield land into a new sustainable new neighbourhood it’s residents will be proud of.

“It will be one where people live in affordable environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links and access to lots of open and green space, arts, sports and culture.

“In a partnership with Edinburgh College, we’ve already made sure this B-listed gas holder is a beacon of light for the area by lighting it up while work is underway on the wider regeneration of the area.”

UK Budget ‘must match Scotland’s ambition’

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak ahead of the delayed UK Budget, calling on him to provide essential support as Scotland prepares to ease lockdown measures.

In the letter, Ms Forbes urges the UK Government to avoid a sudden cliff-edge withdrawal of support by extending the Job Retention Scheme beyond the end of April and making the £20 uplift for Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits permanent.

She also calls for a commitment that the NHS will receive what it needs in terms of financial support and for confirmation of Scotland’s share of unallocated coronavirus (COVID-19) funding to allow the Scottish Government to effectively develop its ongoing response to the pandemic.

Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government has extended Non Domestic Rates relief as one measure to continue supporting business, and it is vital that we have the appropriate funding and fiscal levers to deliver economic support.

“There are a number of additional measures the UK Government should take in the UK Budget to support recovery, bolster the economy and support the most vulnerable.

“This includes ensuring the NHS receives what it needs in terms of financial support, extending the furlough scheme beyond April and supporting business and households by providing meaningful and effective long-term support as the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt.”