Delegates told councils will seek more powers

TAYSIDE and Fife’s local authorities will seek devolved powers from the Scottish and UK Governments as part of the Tay Cities deal, according to Dundee City Council’s chief executive.

Mike Galloway, who has taken a lead in coordinating the deal, told local business delegates at a Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce meeting that both governments had already shown “in principle support” for the approach taken by the region.

Mr Galloway said that the proposals would focus on the development of specific industries and sectors.

He said: “We want to make a series of asks to the governments and a series of offers. There is so much more point in having transport strategies and planning at a regional level.

“In order to deliver that, we’ll be asking for devolved powers and responsibilities from both the Scottish and UK governments.”

A list of more than 100 projects and ideas proposed by public, private and third sector organisations have been forwarded to the team compiling the proposal, with a selection now being outlined in detail for the final submission.

When this is completed, Perth & Kinross, Fife, Angus and Dundee City councils will then be asked to approve the proposal in February.

Mr Galloway said: “The final submission will be in March.”

Picture shows three of the delegates, from left: Waterfront project leader Allan Watt, chamber of commerce chief executive Alison Henderson and Andrew Cameron, design for business programme manager from V&A.

Mr Black speaks to reporter Lindsey Hamilton. Above, an early meeting of the commission.