The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee will examine how effective funding deals have been in improving Scotland’s local economies, in a new inquiry launched on Friday.
The Committee has opened a consultation to look at the implementation and effectiveness of Scotland’s City Region and Regional Growth Deals.
These are funding agreements between the Scottish Government, the UK Government and local partners to boost regional economic growth. Calling for views, the Committee aims to find out how the deals have contributed to addressing local issues, and supported development and inclusive growth.
There are currently 12 deals in Scotland, each tailored to local circumstances and priorities. This might include improved broadband and mobile coverage, reducing unemployment or supporting the life sciences industry.
Claire Baker MSP, Convener of the Economy and Fair Work Committee, said: “City Region and Regional Growth Deals have the potential to deliver significant transformations in communities across Scotland by attracting investment, creating new jobs and improving economic growth.
“We would like to understand more about how these impacts have been and are being measured, and how far lessons learned from earlier deals are informing newer deals.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from Scottish businesses to gauge experiences of engaging with local city region deals and about what support has been provided to bid for work.
“As a Committee, we will examine the progress of the Deals so far and identify whether they are delivering what they intended for the people of Scotland.”
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