BORDERS MP John Lamont was "over the moon" following yesterday’s Autumn Statement in the House of Commons.

UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that £20m funding will be delivered to Scottish Borders Council to support public services and the local economy.

The MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk has been in discussions for month with the chancellor about the need for additional funds and he wants to see the money support local jobs, and improve public services.

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This money will come from the UK Government through the creation of a Levelling Up Partnership with the local authority.

 

Mr Lamont said: “I am over the moon to have secured this huge level of investment in the Scottish Borders.

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“This is a very welcome development after months of speaking with the UK Chancellor and his team to discuss the need for additional funding for the Borders.

“Thank you to Jeremy Hunt for listening and acting.

“The UK Government has delivered a considerable sum to help the Borders economy, support local jobs, and improve our public services.

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“It is great that my campaign for the Borders to receive funding as part of the Levelling Up programme has paid off.

“I look forward to working with the Scottish Borders Council to develop positive projects that this investment will help to fund.”

Note: This funding is in addition to the £22m funding announced jointly by Scottish Borders Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council and South Lanarkshire Council earlier this week.

Craig Hoy South of Scotland MSP added: “I am delighted to welcome this vitally important Levelling Up investment by the UK Government for the Scottish Borders.

"This will help to support local jobs and services as well as local community groups from across the region and I look forward to working with Scottish Borders Council and the UK Government to drive this investment forwards.”