I was delighted to hear confirmation in the Chancellor's budget Statement this afternoon, that the "Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal" now has formal Treasury-recognition, and is thus entering the detailed negotiation stage.The 'Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region' comprises a total of six local authorities, as per the map - with some 24% of the whole Nation's population living in this part of Scotland.
And for some time now, the six local authorities that make up the 'Edinburgh and South East
Scotland City Region', have been working collectively on a 'City Region Deal' bid, which has been submitted to both the Scottish
and Westminster Governments for their consideration.
The 'City Region Deal' is a mechanism for accelerating growth and
investing in success. By investing in infrastructure, skills and
innovation we could create a step change in economic performance, which would generate funds to pay back the initial investment.
It's also
about greater autonomy and decision making powers being devolved to the region, in order to make
public service delivery more effective, and to tackle inequality and
deprivation across the region.
Our ambition has been to secure +£1bn of funding and it's estimated that an additional +£3bn worth of private sector investment could also be leveraged.
Our ambition has been to secure +£1bn of funding and it's estimated that an additional +£3bn worth of private sector investment could also be leveraged.
I've written generally about this issue before, via the local Newspaper - here ...
... and the 'City Region Deal' website is available here.
... and the 'City Region Deal' website is available here.
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Speaking today, on behalf of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region, City of Edinburgh Council Leader Andrew Burns said:
‘We are delighted with the Chancellor’s pledge to develop a City Deal for our region and welcome the opportunity to continue our engagement with both the UK and Scottish Governments.
‘We are delighted with the Chancellor’s pledge to develop a City Deal for our region and welcome the opportunity to continue our engagement with both the UK and Scottish Governments.
“We
submitted our proposals in September 2015 and remain as determined as
ever to negotiate greater fiscal powers and funding towards strategic
housing, transport and infrastructure projects to help the region become
the most connected, creative, inclusive and innovative place in Europe.
“This
commitment from Westminster is a step forward for our proposals to
tackle inequality and accelerate substantial economic growth.”
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