Fife Council Leader David Ross has welcomed the UK Government Pride in Place funding announcement that will see Fife communities benefit to the tune of up to £40 million over the next ten years.

Communities benefitting are West Fife's Villages - Oakley, Comrie and Blairhall, Valleyfield, Culross and Torryburn, Kincardine, Saline and Gowkhall.

Methil and Buckhaven will also benefit in central Fife. Locations to benefit were selected by the UK Government using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and Community Needs Index.

The Pride in Place Programme is a new government funding programme, aimed at putting power into the hands of local people in some of the most in-need neighbourhoods across the UK, so that they can decide how to regenerate their local area. It gives communities control of £2m every year for the next 10 years, to be
spent on projects that will make a real difference to the neighbourhoods they live in.

The programme is designed to be:

• Long-term: providing certainty and security of funding over 10 years.
• Flexible: allowing communities to spend their funding on the projects that matter most to them, in a way that works for them.
• Community-led: putting local people at the heart of decision-making, with residents able to have their say on the future of their neighbourhood.
• Supportive: empowering people to build the skills and confidence they need to deliver change in their communities, through capacity funding and targeted support activities.

Councillor David Ross, Leader of Fife Council, said: "This is a hugely welcome investment in Fife’s future. The Pride in Place programme will empower our communities to shape the regeneration of their own neighbourhoods, ensuring that local voices are at the heart of decision-making.

"With up to £40 million coming to Fife, we have a real opportunity to revitalise our town centres, improve public spaces, and create lasting opportunities for residents.

"I'd like to thank our local MPs for arguing Fife's case with UK Government. We look forward to working closely with local groups and partners to deliver meaningful change that reflects the pride and potential of our communities."

Funding will be available from April next year.