Labour Government would give Scotland Office £150m levelling up cash to cut poverty rates

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An incoming Labour Government will hand the Scottish Office a £150m warchest to combat poverty.Likely Scottish Secretary Ian Murray will be given the levelling up cash to fund councils without SNP Government approval.He said: “Labour will reduce poverty by growing our economy and making work pay. “This funding will help create jobs across the country and unlock opportunities across Scotland, especially in deprived communities who have been let down by the Tories and the SNP for too long.”Levelling up funding, currently under the control of Michael Gove’s government department, was set up in the wake of the UK leaving the EU.Billions of pounds have been awarded to projects across the UK since 2021, with round two worth £177m for Scotland.But the Labour manifesto, which will be published today by leader Keir Starmer, will back a major shake-up of the system.Over £150m will be given directly to the Scotland Office to dole out north of the border.It will turn the Scotland Office into a proper spending department with financial clout.The cash will be targeted at deprived areas with an emphasis on cutting poverty rates, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.Murray, who sits in Starmer’s shadow cabinet, is widely expected to be Scottish Secretary after the election and will sign off the cash if appointed to the top team.He told the Record: “If Labour is privileged enough to form the next UK Government we will turbo charge the Scotland Office with a remit to create jobs, drive growth and deliver the change Scotland needs. “That means promoting Scotland’s world class produce, products and services around the world to boost exports and drive investment.