McMillan Continues to Support RI in Funding Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) further commented on the announcement that funding for Riverside Inverclyde (RI) is to be reduced in 2011/12.

The Scottish Government indicated in a letter to Mr McMillan that they face unprecedented levels of spending cuts from Westminster. This means that the availability of funds from Scottish Government budgets for regeneration projects in 2011/12 is significantly reduced.

Mr McMillan has been raising the matter consistently with the relevant authorities, including with the Chief Executive and Chairman of Scottish Enterprise in the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, writing to both Alex Neil MSP and john Swinney MSP and also meeting with Bruce Crawford MSP, the Parliamentary Business Manager. Added to this, Mr McMillan has, once again, written to the Minister for Communities to praise the work Riverside Inverclyde is doing to regenerate parts of Inverclyde.

Mr. McMillan said;

"We cannot forget the reason a reduction is being proposed are the draconian cuts coming from the Tory/Lib Dem UK Government to Scotland as a result of the economic shambles left by Labour when they were in power.

"Despite this, I have been and always will fight Inverclyde’s corner in the Parliament as I am positive about the area I live in.

"The work of Riverside Inverclyde is vital in regenerating Inverclyde for the future and the proposed reduction to their budget from Scottish Enterprise would undoubtedly hamper further improvements.

"I have been raising the funding levels of RI at the highest levels in both Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government and I believe an improved funding allocation for Riverside Inverclyde should be secured.

"This reduction will not fully support their current, and future, projects which could have a negative effect on future employment opportunities and economic prosperity to Inverclyde.

"One thing this issue highlights is the real lack of financial powers of the Scottish Parliament. If the parliament were independent or had at least financial responsibility, then borrowing in these tough times could be an option until the economy picks up. However, the unionist parties want to stymie this even further with their flawed Scotland bill currently going through the UK Parliament."