Are City Region Deals worth the headlines?

A Holyrood committee has called for the public to submit their views on City and Region Deals, as it begins its research into the economic growth deals.

The Local Government and Communities Committee is looking for a variety of opinions from organisations and members of the public on the purpose of City and Region Deals, whether they are working for communities and how they are being run.

There are currently three active City Region Deals in Scotland, including Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, which aim to grow regional economies, boost jobs and build collaborative partnerships.

City Region Deals are also underway in Edinburgh and Stirling, while a joint proposal is being considered in Perth and Dundee.

Local Government and Communities Committee Convener, Bob Doris MSP, said: “We’ve all seen the headlines and attention given to the wave of new City Region Deals that are popping up across the country.

“The original City Deals brought the opportunity for significant investment from both Scottish and UK Governments to boost local economies out with London. There was much excitement and anticipation around the additional investment, which could be of strategic benefit to local economies and communities.

“Our Committee now wants to examine this from a local government perspective. We want to hear from the general public, organisations and businesses on whether they think City Region Deals are on track to deliver local growth and innovation across Scotland.”

The Committee would like to hear evidence on the following. To submit views, find out more here:

• What is your understanding of the purpose of City Region Deals?
• Are City Region Deals on track to deliver local growth, innovation and infrastructure schemes which would not have otherwise been delivered?
• What is your understanding of the governance arrangements for City Region Deals, and how well are these arrangements working in practice?
• Have local residents and businesses been kept informed and involved in the development and activities of City Region Deals?
• Are regions not covered by City Region Deals able to access equivalent funding and support for growth, innovation and infrastructure schemes?
• Are City Regions Deals supporting a shift towards local decision-making on major investment projects?
• Any other issues relating to City Region Deals which you wish to bring to the attention of the Committee?

Find out more about City Region Deals here.

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer