£100m that could revive Scots High St

SNP urged to spend ‘windfall’ on shops

SCOTLAND’s high streets must benefit from a windfall being handed to the scottish Government as a result of investment in England, business leaders have said.

An extra 50 towns and cities south of the Border will benefit after funding for ailing high streets was increased by Boris Johnson from £675million to £1billion.

It means the scottish Government is now likely to receive around £100million as a direct consequence of the investment in England.

Business leaders called for the extra cash to be used to boost scotland’s town centres, amid concerns about declining sales and increasing numbers of empty units.

scottish Retail Consortium director David Lonsdale said: ‘Our town centres and high streets have a great deal to offer. However, many need a more compelling reason for people to visit, spend time and money.

‘If the devolved administration does receive a windfall from this then it ought to be used to enhance the economic viability of our town centres and to cut the cost of doing business on our high streets.’

the UK Government last night confirmed that the additional investment south of the Border would result in extra money for Holyrood.

the scottish Government announced a £50million town Centre Fund earlier this year when it was set to receive a share of £675million of spending, but is now under pressure to increase this as it will receive more cash.

scottish tory local government spokesman Alexander stewart said: ‘All over scotland, town and city centres are struggling with problems, from sky-high rates to online retail.

‘the sNP has been repeatedly warned about this, yet has done very little to tackle the issue. the UK Government is putting its money where its mouth is – the sNP should do the same.’

Announcing the move, Mr Johnson said: ‘Our high streets are right at the heart of our communities and I will do everything I can to make sure they remain vibrant places where people want to go, meet and spend their money.

‘But with our town centres facing challenges, we are today expanding the High streets Fund to support over 100 to regenerate – backed by £1billion of vital investment.

‘this scheme is going to re-energise and transform high streets, helping them to attract new businesses, boost local growth and create jobs.’

A UK Government spokesman said: ‘the recent announcement from the UK Government on the stronger towns Fund will result in the scottish Government receiving any additional share of investment through the Barnett Formula.

‘We remain committed to supporting towns throughout scotland in partnership with the scottish Government.’

A scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We are committed to supporting town centres as they face the challenge of changing and evolving retail patterns. that is why we have established a £50million town Centre Fund to enable local authorities to stimulate and support economic investment.’

A report published earlier this month found one in every ten retail premises in scotland’s town centres is lying empty.