Local Growth Fund: £9.8m investment programme moves into delivery across Forth Valley
Communities, businesses and residents across Forth Valley are set to benefit from a £9.8m economic boost after the UK Government approved the region’s Local Growth Fund Investment Plan.
The programme will support business growth, workforce skills, housing and infrastructure projects across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council areas helping to create jobs and drive long-term economic growth across the region.
Following the approval of the Investment Plan and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Falkirk Council, acting on behalf of the Forth Valley region, and the UK Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has now released £3.7m to Forth Valley Regional Partnership for 2026/27, the first year of the three-year programme.
Significant benefits
Over the next three years, the programme plans to support a range of initiatives including:
- A Forth Valley Housing Enablement Fund to help bring vacant or stalled housing sites back into productive use.
- A Regional Infrastructure Enablement Fund supporting commercial property and transport improvement projects.
- Expanded business adviser support to help local companies grow and innovate.
- A new Expert Help Programme providing specialist support on areas including exporting, digitalisation, marketing, finance and business strategy.
- A business and social enterprise grant scheme to support business expansion, productivity improvements, innovation and job creation.
- New regional skills and workforce development programmes designed to help people access employment opportunities and support businesses with workforce development needs.
It will also aim to deliver significant benefits across the region by 2029, including:
- support for 370 businesses
- grants for 94 businesses
- creation of 500 jobs
- support for 380 people to move towards employment
- helping 160 people gain qualifications
- unlock more than 19,000 square metres of land for development
Sustainable economy
The Investment Plan supports Forth Valley's ambition to become Scotland's most inclusive, productive and sustainable economy, building on the region's strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, tourism, logistics, digital industries and innovation.
It also complements major regional investment programmes including the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and opportunities associated with the Forth Green Freeport.
Scottish Secretary of State, Douglas Alexander, said:
Today the UK Government is releasing more than £3.66 million to Forth Valley partners who know their communities best.
"These funds will be crucial to delivering skills and employment services, specialist support for businesses and unlocking vacant or stalled housing sites.
“The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country. These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
This investment represents a significant opportunity for Forth Valley as a region and demonstrates the strength of Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils working together to support businesses, invest in people and unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
“By investing in areas such as infrastructure, business growth, innovation and skills, we can help create new opportunities, support our communities and raise living standards across Forth Valley laying the foundations for longer-term regional collaboration and prosperity.
“We look forward to working with our partners in Stirling and Clackmannanshire to ensure this investment delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for people and businesses throughout the Region.
Councillor Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said:
This funding gives us a further opportunity to collaborate and innovate with our Forth Valley partners to support local businesses, invest in people and create opportunities that directly benefit Clackmannanshire's communities and residents.
“I am keen to work closely with our partners in Falkirk and Stirling to ensure this investment builds on our region's strengths while delivering tangible improvements for the people of Clackmannanshire through better access to jobs, skills, business support and economic opportunities.
“By working together, we can help tackle inequalities, strengthen our communities, and deliver long-term sustainability, growth and prosperity both across Forth Valley and here in Clackmannanshire.
Councillor Susan McGill, Leader of Stirling Council, said:
We are committed to maximising the opportunities from this package of investment to support businesses, create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth across Stirling and the wider region.
“Forth Valley has significant strengths, including its central location, excellent transport connections, major inward investment programmes, as well as its innovative, diverse and dynamic businesses. The Local Growth Fund investment will help us to build on these strengths, break down barriers and unleash the region’s full economic potential.
“We have worked closely with Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils and engaged with a range of key regional stakeholders and organisations to develop the investment plan. We look forward to continuing in this spirit of collaboration as we deliver these important projects across the region over the next three years.
