Securing more UK Government investment for Perth & Kinross-shire is one of my top priorities.
That's why I was so pleased that after my meeting with Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed today in the UK Budget that Perth & Kinross-shire will be receiving £5m in Levelling Up Funding. being delivered directly by the UK Government to our area.
Although the Council's existing levelling up proposals did not meet the requisite criteria, the new fund provides an opportunity for Perth & Kinross Council, local communities and businesses to put forward fresh ideas for the funding.
After 20 years of SNP MSPs and MPs who have failed to bring in the public and private funding our area deserves, we need investment for housing, shops and to ensure our local health and leisure facilities are not only sustainable, but improving with the new housing being built in our area.
If elected as the MP for Perth and Kinross-shire I will look to build on these funds to secure more private and public funding into our area to provide jobs, opportunities and reduce deprivation across our constituency.
My Record:
In 2017-19 as MP for Ochil & South Perthshire, I was able to secure:
- £10m of UK Government funding for the Perth Museum
- £1.6m of UK Government funding for Aerospace Kinross
- £1m of UK Government funding for Crieff International Highland Centre
- £1m for rural broadband
- £100k for Innerpeffray Library
- Have continued to campaign for investment and engagement with UK Government on behalf of community groups.
My Plan:
- A co-ordinated action plan and development body for Perth City - working with existing groups and the Council
- Protect and improve our local health and leisure services, specifically the PRI, community hospitals and our swimming pools and ice rink
- Securing further support for flood-impacted areas across our region, including defences for the future
- Clear development plan for Kinross-shire - demanding infrastructure and opportunities to match increased housing
- Campaign for improved transport links, including completing the dualling of the A9 and restoration of Perth to Edinburgh rail link, with stop in Kinross-shire
- Action on the Drummond Arms and other empty buildings in Crieff, building a Crieff Master Plan
If you have ideas or want to get involved please email - luke@lukegraham.uk