Support for cities

The Scottish Government will increase support for cities in 2017, by progressing City Region Deals to boost jobs, infrastructure and the economy in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed.

The Scottish Government is investing £760 million over the next 10-20 years in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness through City Region Deals with regional partners estimating that the Glasgow and Aberdeen deals alone will deliver more than 32,000 jobs.

Regions facing economic challenges are also being encouraged and supported  to identify and deliver a vision for inclusive growth starting with the proposals being developed by the three Ayrshire Councils on their Ayrshire Growth Deal.

Mr Brown said:

“We are already seeing the success of city region deals in Aberdeen where we’re supporting its position as a global oil and gas hub, and in Glasgow where investment will improve infrastructure and business innovation.

“We have been consistent in our support for city region deals for all our cities and I look forward to working with Stirling and Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh & South East Scotland and the Tay Cities Region in the coming year.

“We know that all areas of Scotland need to flourish if we are to deliver on our economic ambitions to increase inclusive growth.

“That is why we have committed to working with regional partnerships such as the three Ayrshires on their Ayrshire Growth Deal. The deal will identify how best to deliver inclusive growth, unlock investment and boost infrastructure.”

Background

More information about City Region Deals available at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Cities

The Scottish Government is a full partner in the Glasgow City Deal, now in its delivery stage, and will contribute £500 million over 20 years: http://www.glasgowcityregion.co.uk/

The Scottish Government and UK Government officially signed the Aberdeen City Region Deal in November. Both Governments are investing up to £250m over the next ten years. The Scottish Government will also provide an additional £254 million to support transport, digital and housing proposals:  http://news.gov.scot/news/gbp-250m-aberdeen-city-region-deal

The Heads of Terms for Inverness City Region was signed in March 2016 with the Scottish Government committing to £135 million over a period of up to ten years: http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/15992/city_region_deal_heads_of_terms_agreement