Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Budget commitment to supporting town centres and local economies.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced the Government’s tax and spending plans for the next financial year in a statement at Holyrood this week.
The full Budget document outlines the administration’s commitment to increased investment to support Business Improvement District (BIDs) and Scotland Loves Local.
STP is the parent organisation of Scotland’s Improvement Districts – which supports the network of BIDs across the country – and Scotland Loves Local, the drive encouraging people to build stronger communities by getting behind the businesses in them.
The Budget document states: “Supporting the foundational economy is important.
“We want all communities to benefit from economic opportunities and through our wider investment of £47 million we will support the regeneration of communities and town centres to strengthen local economies.
“This includes increased investment to scale Business Improvement Districts and our Scotland Loves Local initiative.”
Reacting to the announcement, STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “This is an incredibly welcome commitment which underpins the critical part that local economies play in building a strong, fair and sustainable national economy.
“The work done by STP and our partners to support the regeneration of our places has incredible potential to move to another level, making a real difference to lives, businesses and communities – making them better places to live, work and visit.
“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government so that, together, we can help realise the ambitions and fulfill the incredible potential to make Scotland’s places and local economies fitter for the future.”Click here to find out more about STP’s work and how you can become involved.
