£1.2m injection to help Falkirk's economy recover from pandemic

Members of Falkirk Council's executive heard on Tuesday that the funding will provide a much needed boost for the local economy, in particular, support for businesses, employment and town centres.

The measures agreed include spending £232,000 to create a Coronavirus Business Support Fund with interest-free loans and grants to help businesses affected by the pandemic.

A £711,000 town centre fund, designed to boost Bo’ness, Denny, Falkirk and Grangemouth in particular, will also help projects in these areas move forward.

A further £300,000 was also agreed to develop recruitment incentives for job creation, supporting Falkirk Council's own initiatives as well as national schemes.

The funding will also help to pay for two new members of the employment training unit, which is currently helping 1000 people who are looking for work.

Around £50,000 will accelerate Falkirk and Grangemouth Investment Zone Projects by paying for specialist economic and technical support to identify the work that will have the most impact.

The cash will also help develop local plans such as introducing a new short term parking tariff.

Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: “The impact Covid-19 has had on the business community cannot be underestimated.

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"The last few months have been extremely challenging for our local businesses but with the right support we believe the area can recover and adapt to the challenges ahead of us.

“We know through our conversations with business and feedback from our consultation in the summer that there are fantastic examples of how many businesses have adapted to the current environment by embracing online and digital opportunities.

"The support available through our recovery plan is varied and I believe by working together our business community will bounce back stronger than ever.”

The Falkirk Council Business Gateway Team is working remotely and can offer expert advice and support.

The Council’s website now includes the new Strategic Framework for Business Fund launched last week, providing funding for businesses which remain closed or are directly impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

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