Funding that has significantly benefited the Moray region is set to be discontinued, raising concerns among local leaders and communities. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which provided approximately £1.415 million to Moray Council in its last funding round, will cease operations on March 31, 2024. This funding was established by the Conservative government in 2022 to offset the £1.5 billion annually lost due to the withdrawal from the European Union.
With the transition to a new Local Growth Fund (LGF), Moray will not receive any allocation. This shift has prompted the local council to express significant concerns about maintaining the progress achieved through previous funding initiatives. The UKSPF had supported various projects aimed at economic growth, community development, and skills enhancement throughout the region.
Moray Council had successfully implemented several initiatives under the UKSPF, focusing on areas such as regeneration, tourism strategy development, and digital inclusion. These projects involved collaborations with community partners like the Forres Conservation & Heritage Scheme and tsiMORAY, and delivered tangible benefits to local businesses and residents.
Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council, expressed disappointment at the lack of funding from the new LGF. She stated, “While we welcome ongoing UK Government investment in Moray, the lack of Local Growth Fund allocation for our region is deeply disappointing. The predecessor to this funding was principally to support rural areas like Moray, and the projects delivered under UKSPF have made a tangible difference to our communities and businesses.”
The council’s statement highlights the potential risks of losing momentum in community development and economic support. To mitigate these impacts, council officers are exploring alternative funding streams, utilizing underspends to extend project timelines until September 2026, and considering redesign options for future services.
Projects funded by the UKSPF included initiatives to aid individuals facing barriers to employment, focusing particularly on vulnerable youth. These programs provided personal development opportunities, education support, and intensive financial assistance to those who are underemployed or unemployed. The delivery of the Moray Pathways SWAP vocational skills programme aimed to align with local economic needs and foster sustainable growth.
As Moray navigates the loss of the UKSPF, the council remains committed to seeking new funding opportunities from both the UK and Scottish governments. The absence of support from the LGF is seen as a significant setback, particularly for a region that has relied on such funding to bolster its economic landscape.
Moving forward, the council will continue to engage with governmental entities to ensure the long-term economic resilience of Moray and its communities. With the end of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, local leaders are now tasked with finding innovative solutions to replace the financial support that has been crucial for their development initiatives.
