MP slams 'pattern of neglect' over funding

Pete Wishart MP has condemned the Labour UK Government for once again overlooking Perth and Kinross, this time in the allocation of its new Pride of Place fund.

- STAFF REPORTER

Twelve Scottish local authorities have received funding from the scheme, yet Perth and Kinross has been left out entirely, continuing what Mr Wishart called a “pattern of neglect” from Westminster governments of all colours.

This follows the previous Conservative Government's Levelling Up Fund, which also repeatedly bypassed Perth and Kinross until the very last moment, when £5 million was awarded out of the blue, just weeks before the General Election was called.

Perth had been due to receive the cash sum from the previous Conservative government's Levelling Up scheme - only for it to be withdrawn after the Labour government came to power in July 2024.

Mr Wishart (right) - who raised the issue with UK Government ministers on a number of occasions since the July 2024 general election including chancellor Rachel Reeves had dubbed it a “betrayal”.

Neighbouring Dundee and Angus both had their £20m Levelling Up awards honoured.