Greenock £20m from Long Term Plan for Towns confirmed

Prior to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget at the end of October, the UK Government had warned of a £22 billion 'black hole' in the public finances, leading to concern the funding could be axed.

But Ms Reeves' speech on October 30 made no mention of scrapping the cash, which was originally promised by the Conservatives before they lost the general election in July.

READ MORE: Inverclyde politicians react to Rachel Reeves' first Budget

And the Scotland Office has now issued final confirmation that the Greenock cash - to be used to help improve the town centre and boost regeneration - remains in its spending plans as part of an allocation of £1.36 billion in 'local growth' projects.

Greenock's £20m share of the Long Term Plan for Towns programme is separate from more than £20m in 'levelling up' money which has been set aside to cover the costs of demolishing sections of the Oak Mall and bring the A78 flyover down to ground level. 

The £1.36bn funding pot also includes £136m for the Glasgow City Region Investment Zone, which includes Inverclyde, confirming a commitment initially made by the Conservatives' Jeremy Hunt when he was Chancellor in November 2023.

Greenock's £20m share of the Long Term Plan for Towns programme has been confirmed by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray. (Image: George Munro) Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “Growth is a key mission for this government and a top priority for the Scotland Office. The Chancellor delivered a Budget that will herald an era of growth for Scotland, rebuild our public services and begin a decade of national renewal. 

"This is a historic Budget for Scotland which chooses investment over decline, and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.

"I am pleased that we are now able to confirm our commitment to invest nearly £1.4 billion into important local projects across Scotland over the next 10 years. 

READ MORE: Greenock town centre 'levelling up' project delayed - with demolition work not likely to start until 2025

“Over the summer I wrote to every local authority to set out our commitment to building strong and trusted relationships so that together we can deliver the change our country needs. I am pleased to be able to write to them again to confirm their funding allocations.

"I look forward to working with Scotland’s local authorities in the coming weeks and months on a renewed approach for delivering the UK Government’s missions in all parts of Scotland.” 

Ian Murray has confirmed that funding commitments of £1.36 billion for Scottish projects remains in the UK Government's spending plans. (Image: PA) The Long Term Plan for Towns programme also includes £20 million each for Irvine, Kilmarnock, Clydebank, Coatbridge, Elgin, Dumfries, Arbroath, Peterhead and Kirkwall.

The government also says that £492 million remains available to complete the previous government's Growth Deal programme in Scotland