December 2021
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With a Deal now in place for every part of Scotland, this conference was a timely opportunity to discuss their development and progress.
Stakeholders and policymakers considered what can be learnt from the progress of older Deals, next steps for the implementation of the newer Deals, and best practice for developing effective proposals going forward.
The agenda also looked at City and Growth Deals in other jurisdictions, and delegates considered what can be learned for implementing those in Scotland in the areas of administration, governance, and delivery.
Other key areas for discussion included:
- priorities for effective collaboration between councils and key partners on the Deals
- how well co-operation between the UK and Scottish Governments is working, and how the Deals fit into the UK Government’s wider levelling up proposals
- the ways in which COVID-19 has impacted the delivery of the Deals
The seminar took place following the first Gateway Review for the Glasgow City Region City Deal and the allocation of £250m in extra funding to aid the region’s economic recovery from COVID-19. It also followed the signing of the Ayrshire Growth Deal last year and, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
We are pleased to have been able to include ministerial contributions from Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, The Scottish Government; and Iain Stewart MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Councillor Tony Buchanan, Leader, East Renfrewshire Council, and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader, East Ayrshire Council, are also keynote speakers.
Overall, sessions in the agenda examined:
- the state of play - regional priorities, progress so far, and lessons learnt
- developing effective proposals - governance, funding, and collaboration between Deals
- project delivery and transparency - identifying and overcoming barriers to delivery and developing an effective accountability system
- realising the potential of Deals - building inclusive, sustainable economies, developing workforce skills and centres of research and excellence, and meeting community and business needs
- policy priorities for City and Growth Deals in Scotland and supporting delivery
The discussion brought together stakeholders with key policy officials who attended from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; The Scottish Government; and Transport Scotland.
