Council Leader seeks clarity on funding

Dundee City Council leader Cllr Mark Flynn has again written to the UK Government seeking clarity on Levelling Up funding, UK Shared Prosperity funding and National Insurance contributions.

A £20million figure was originally allocated to Dundee following a visit from previous UK Government administration’s Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young to outline a range of projects that would receive the funding.

Following the UK Government’s budget and previous letter correspondence, Council Leader Mark Flynn is asking for further clarity on the spend profile of this £20m sum including whether there is flexibility in spending the allocations beyond the previous Government’s set date of March 2026.

Councillor Flynn also wrote looking to receive confirmation that the full £20m will be allocated to the city subject to business cases being signed off and, where business cases for original projects may not be agreed, whether alternative projects through partnership working would be considered.

Cllr Flynn also asked for further detail on the UK-wide 2025/26 allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Council Leader Mark Flynn said: “The extension to UKSPF for a fourth year is welcomed, however the timings are causing concern as we have yet to receive any indication of our allocation for 2025/26.

“Making the allocations public as soon as possible will enable local authorities to provide immediate assurances to both staff working on UKSPF projects and their clients, such as employability services and business support programmes, that their contracts or support will be extended into the next financial year.”

In his letter to the UK Government, Cllr Flynn also raised the issue of National Insurance contributions.

Cllr Mark Flynn added: “It is essential local government, and its partners (including the Voluntary/Third Sector and Cultural agencies), receive full funding for the additional costs associated with the increase in National Insurance.

“Clarity is required on the allocation of support to the Scottish Government to ensure that local authorities are not forced to make additional budget cuts to meet the increased National Insurance costs.”