Lib Dem call for 'flexibility' on Forth bridge funding

Published on Monday 18 May 2009 22:02

THE Liberal Democrats last night appeared to back the Scottish Government's call for more funding flexibility from Westminster over the new Forth road bridge to avoid other cutbacks.

The move follows an impasse between the two governments over the 2 billion project.

Willie Rennie, the Lib Dems' Dunfermline and West Fife MP, told the Commons the UK government should "give the Scottish administration borrowing powers that would allow them to phase the funding of major capital projects, such as the new Forth bridge, sensibly and efficiently, and without putting into jeopardy every other transport project across the country".

However, he also accused the SNP of using the funding row as "another weapon in their dangerous game of chicken" with Westminster.

The Scottish Government insisted the bridge would be completed in 2016 as planned. However, a spokesman went on: "The issue is about having the flexibility to spread payments over a longer period.

"Scotland needs control over its own resources and the ability to borrow in the same way as other governments."

A Treasury spokesman said it had already offered "significant flexibility" over funding.