Allan flags up Euro cash cuts 21/2/13
SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has expressed concern at what proposed European funding cuts will mean for the Highlands and Islands.
This follows news that a 6% cut in what the UK receives in funding could translate into almost 30% cuts for Scotland from EU structural funds.
Alasdair Allan commented: “The new formula to be used for EU structural funds looks as if it will hit Scotland far harder than the rest of the UK. It isn’t acceptable that Scotland should feel these cuts so much more than the UK as a whole.
“In the Western Isles EU structural funds have of course been used for things as varied as causeways, bridges and road projects and it is therefore particularly important that the position is now made clear.
“The Scottish Government this week indicated it would be having talks with UK Ministers about this issue. This does raise questions, however, about whose side the UK Government – including the Secretary of State for Scotland – will take. UK Ministers have to decide whether or not they are interested in the case for fairness which Scotland is making.
“I have therefore written to the Scottish Secretary asking him if he will be taking Scotland’s side on this matter.”