Committees

Regional deals in Scotland intended to improve economies being investigated

10 July 2018

The Scottish Affairs Committee takes evidence on City Region Deals with the Secretary of State for Scotland the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands.

What are City Region Deals?

City Region Deals are agreements between the Scottish Government, the UK Government and local authorities intended to deliver long-term strategies to improve regional economies. There are currently five in place in Scotland covering Aberdeen; Edinburgh and South East Scotland; Glasgow; Inverness and Highlands; and Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Further deals are in development for other areas including Tay Cities Region and Ayrshire.

Each deal is specific to its region, and can include measures relating to issues such as housing, transport, infrastructure and culture. They are supported by funding commitments from the UK and Scottish Governments worth hundreds of millions, totalling £3.3 billion for all five combined.

Witnesses

Tuesday 10 July, Committee Room 6, House of Commons

From 12pm

  • Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Council and City Convener for Inclusive Economic Growth, Glasgow City Council
  • Councillor Gail Macgregor, Group Business Manager/Secretary, Dumfries & Galloway Council
  • David Martin, Chief Executive, Dundee City Council

From 1pm

  • Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands
  • Dr Morag Watt, Cities Team Leader, Scottish Government
  • Oonagh Gil, Deputy Director for Enterprise and Cities, Scottish Government

From 2pm

  • David Mundell, MP, Secretary of State for Scotland
  • Gillian McGregor, CBE, Director, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland

Chair's comments

Committee Chair Pete Wishart commented:

"While it is fantastic to see investment in Scottish regions, supporting strategies targeting the specific issues they are facing, it must lead to meaningful improvements for communities.

We are holding this one off session to understand how City Region Deals are developed, funded and managed to ensure the best possible outcomes and value for money, and explore how different layers of government work together to deliver economic development."

Further information

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