Edinburgh funding: MP Chris Murray asks pupils how they would spend £20 million
Edinburgh East Labour MP Chris Murray has asked local school pupils to come up with ideas about how to spend £20 million in their community.
His move is part of a drive to find out the priorities of local people on how to use Edinburgh's share of funding from the UK Government's Pride in Place scheme. And he visited Castleview Primary School to launch the initiative.
The scheme is designed to empower communities by investing in local infrastructure, public spaces, and community-led initiatives that foster pride and belonging.
Mr Murray is also conducting a public survey to gather input from residents of all ages and has held two community drop-in sessions to gather views. But he said he was keen to ensure that the voices of young people were heard in the decision-making process.
And he has distributed an activity pack to primary schools throughout the area. The pack invites children to write, draw, and reflect on what they love about where they live and how they think it could be made even better.
Mr Murray said: “The Pride in Place funding presents a fantastic opportunity to invest in our communities.
“I’m thrilled to see both children and adults getting involved in shaping the future of Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.”
The £20m funding for Edinburgh will be spread over 10 years, with £2m allocated per year.
Hundreds of residents have already completed Mr Murray’s online survey and shared their perspective on the needs of their local area.
He said: “Pride in Place funding must be led by residents, and this programme presents areal opportunity for local people to have their say and play a pivotal role in directing how this money is spent in their communities.
“I am asking local people: what do you want to see locally? Whether it be road repairs, improvements in public transport, or community centre renovations, let’s work out the best way to spend this money for our city.
"I am hoping to involve as many residents as possible of all ages and to ensure that they have their say”.
The schools which take part in the activity pack initiative will have the opportunity to share their pupils’ ideas directly with Mr Murray and his team.
And one drawing per class will be selected to be sent to Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, as well as being framed in Mr Murray’s Westminster and Edinburgh offices.