‘Positive’ progress in talks on City Deal
Negotiations continuing
Negotiations on Stirling and Clackmannanshire’s City Region Deal are continuing with both the UK and Scottish Governments.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown MSP met with officials from both councils last week while Stirling MP Stephen Kerr held discussions with Scotland Office Minister Lord Duncan of Springbank.
City Deals are a mixture of public and private sector money aimed at promoting economic growth. These long-term improvements aim to allow everyone in the area to reach their full potential.
The City Region Deal sets out an ambitious transformation programme to deliver a healthier, wealthier and greener future for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area.
The project, which features a £500 million `wishlist,’ was kick-started with a business proposal from Stirling Council officers, then backed by the Scottish and UK Governments. A digital hub, new council offices, Scottish Tartan Centre and community parklands are among the plans for Stirling, while in Clackmannanshire proposals include an `achievement campus’ in Sauchie, green jobs and infrastructure, and Alloa Harbour developments.
Mr Brown said the Scottish Government was committed to a City Region Deal for Stirling and Clackmannanshire, adding: “This was a useful opportunity to meet council leaders and hear about their plans as negotiations continue. We are currently working through the detail of the proposals with the regional partners to make sure we get the best outcomes for businesses and communities and I look forward to agreeing a deal in due course.”
Mr Kerr, meanwhile, said he has a continuing programme of meetings in place to ensure the momentum was maintained to deliver an effective deal as quickly as possible.
During his meeting with Lord Duncan, they discussed important aspects of the programme and the UK Government’s commitment to delivering the deal and the investment on a scale to ensure the economic benefits are felt as widely as possible.
He hopes the Scottish Government progress their part of the deal with dedicated and previously unallocated funding specifically for the City Region Deal and deliver on devolved aspects such as a motorway slip road and City Park.
Mr Kerr said: “This was another very positive meeting and I am very pleased with the unequivocal support we are receiving from the UK Government. I am also delighted to hear of Mr Brown’s visit that the Scottish Government are now as committed to the deal as the UK Government have been for a while. Hopefully that means we can get on with delivering it. I very much look forward to hearing how this commitment from Mr Brown translates into the new money needed for the deal. The devil is always in the detail.”
Lord Duncan said: “I will meet Stephen whenever it is needed to help progress the deal as I fully recognise the importance of this investment opportunity to Stirling and the wider region.”
Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer said the deal would ensure Stirling becomes a world class destination and a place of opportunity for all residents.
He added: “Negotiations with the Scottish and UK Governments continue to progress well as we work towards a heads of terms agreement.”