Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Jackie Baillie MSP, who fought for Regional Growth Plan for Argyll and Bute, which includes Helensburgh and Lomond.
By Bill Heaney
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered a massive boost to Argyll & Bute, which includes Helensburgh and Lomond, as part of her package of budget announcements for Scotland.
The new chancellor signed off on the delivery of £50 million in a Rural Growth Deal for the area, with funding delivered by both the UK and Scottish Governments.
The area’s MSP, Jackie Baillie, who worked alongside Scottish Secretary Ian Murray MP to secure the cash, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to deliver this funding for Argyll & Bute.
“It is vital that an area like this is able to compete and secure economic growth.
“Labour has pledged commitment to the base at Faslane and it is vital that Argyll & Bute is able to provide space for associated businesses to grow.
“The economy will also be impacted by the loss of jobs at Finnart, as a result of the winding down of Grangemouth and this funding will help communities prosper.”
Areas including the Borders, Ayrshire and Falkirk were handed Rural Growth Deal cash under a UK and Scottish Government deal for economic investment.
But a planned funding injection for Argyll & Bute never materialised under the previous Conservative government at Westminster, leaving Argyll & Bute as the only area in Scotland without a Growth Deal.
The new Labour government was forced to put spending plans on hold as it assessed the perilous state of public finances inherited from the Conservatives, ahead of the budget today.
Now the new funding will help kick start investment in long-term economic growth, jobs and housing.
The UK Government will plough in £25 million to support the Rural Growth Deal, with the other half contributed by the Scottish Government.
Argyll & Bute Council was the first local authority to declare a housing emergency in June 2023, as a result of demands on affordable public sector homes.
It will also see the loss of 25 jobs next summer, as the Finnart Pipeline – which connects to the Grangemouth oil refinery – is axed as a knock-on effect of owner Petroineos’ decision to mothball refining operations in the east of Scotland.
But Argyll and Bute also boasts key industries which support the wider Scottish economy, including tourism, food and drink and marine science, which could benefit.
Labour councillor for Helensburgh Central, Fiona Howard, also welcomed the investment, saying: “I am thrilled by the news of this funding, delivered by a Labour Chancellor.
“It’s very helpful that Jackie Baillie has worked hard to get this over the line on behalf of the people of Argyll & Bute.
“I am delighted that a Labour government has been able to deliver on this commitment for economic growth.”
Meanwhile, Community Food Groups across Argyll and Bute have benefited from a share of £57,453 after councillors agreed to provide them with unspent monies from the Scottish Government’s LACER Fund (Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery).
The funding arose after Miconex, the company that administers the Scotland Loves Local Scheme, refunded the council on unspent Scotland Loves Local gift cards that were distributed to households in receipt of Council Tax reduction during COVID but were never activated.
A delegation of councillors, made up of the council leader Jim Lynch, depute leader, and the leader of the largest opposition group, agreed to distribute the remaining funds to the following organisations:
- Islay Foodbank – £5,203 (This included a core award of £4,750 and an additional £473 to be given to Jura Foodbank
- Hope Kitchen Oban – £4,750
- Inveraray Food Share £4,750
- Bute Oasis £4,750
- Hub Grub Hub, Dunoon £4,750
- Helensburgh Foodbank £4,750
- Jean’s Bothy Helensburgh £4,750
- Tarbert Soup Group £4,750
- Kintyre Foodbank £4,750
- Tiree Foodbank £4,750
- Moving On Mid Argyll £4,750
- Mull and Iona Community Trust Pantry £4,750
Council Leader Jim Lynch, said: “Community Food Groups play a pivotal role in our society and this funding will help them to continue to provide essential supplies to those who require it. Increased living costs are affecting everyone and many residents are struggling.
“Help and support is available though. The council website has dedicated money advice pages with lots of resources and useful information including how to save on your energy bills, tips on how to feed your family for less, as well as a handy budget calculator. Visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-tax-and-benefits/money-advice to find out more.”