Moray Secures Levelling Up Funding

Working with local government is one of the ways BiGGAR Economics seeks to deliver meaningful impact. We are therefore delighted to share that we have helped Moray Council securing a provisional offer from the UK Government of over £18 million from Levelling Up Round 3, which is currently going through final validation.

Over the past two years, BiGGAR Economics has worked with Moray Council to support their application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This funding pot seeks to address geographical inequalities in economic development across the UK through investment in transport, regeneration and town centres, and culture.

We supported the team at Moray Council at different stages along the way to securing funding, including by helping them to:

1. Identify a coherent package of projects aligning with the Fund’s priorities. This involved developing a long-list of projects, considering their fit and how they could support economic impact. This process led to the selection of three Elgin-based projects which will all contribute to increase productivity by making Moray a more attractive destination for investment and a better place where to live. 
2. Compile a Treasury-compliant business case. This made a strategic argument for the projects; considered their value for money and their financial affordability; and set out how they will be delivered and managed. 
3. Respond to and address feedback from civil servants. This included two workshops on developing a risk register and drafting a monitoring and evaluation strategy. They proved a great opportunity to share our expertise with staff at Moray Council and deliver training on how to develop these areas of a business case.

More information about the UK Government announcement can be found here.

We have truly enjoyed working with Moray Council and wish them good luck in delivering this transformative investment.