Much to be gained from city deal despite disappointment

Fife Council has formally recorded its disappointment with the terms of the £1 billion Edinburgh City Deal.

Councillors on the policy and coordination committee this week voiced their dissatisfaction at the omission of so many Fife projects from the investment programme.

However, members agreed to give retrospective approval to the terms of the agreement signed by council co-leaders David Ross and David Alexander in June.

Mr Ross said he remained disappointed by the overall content of the paper, but stressed the council was committed to playing its full part in the deal.

“There is a lot to be gained from it,” he said.

“It has built up a much stronger partnership across the region with local authorities and others that will pay dividends in the future.”

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal was signed by six local authorities, including Fife, which will invest £501 million over 15 years. The UK and Scottish Governments have pledged an additional £600m between them.

The aim is to address poverty and promote innovation by creating more affordable housing and jobs, while tackling a skills shortage and transport problems.

While Fife Council was disappointed not to receive funding for any of its key transport priorities, including the Levenmouth rail link and the A92, it will get a share of £350m for investment in industrial and business premises to promote opportunities in innovation.

A £25m investment to help those in low-paid jobs into better career opportunities will also benefit Fifers, as will better access to Edinburgh airport. In addition, much-needed land for housing in Dunfermline will be unlocked as part of the deal.

Keith Winter, Fife Council’s executive director of enterprise, said the failed transport bids remained the authority’s strategic priorities.

“The City Deal would have meant funding to advance them more speedily,” he said.