No room for Tay Cities Deal failure

Bringing government officials to the table during future meetings of the Tay Cities Deal negotiators is a sensible move. This is a project which the councils of Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Dundee City cannot afford to get wrong.

It is impressive that four neighbouring authorities with competing priorities and political colours can have been publicly unified so far.

If matters have been different behind closed doors, there has been no hint.

One need only look south of the border to see what can go wrong.

The Sheffield City Region devolution deal collapsed last week amid bickering and rancour when Barnsley and Doncaster walked out of talks, effectively costing the area £1 billion in badly-needed investment.

Closer to home, west Fife was overshadowed in negotiations for the Edinburgh and South East of Scotland City Region Deal, leaving many in the kingdom – including the official who signed it on Fife’s behalf – dissatisfied. There can be no such mistakes made on Tayside. Around £1.8 billion of investment, 15,000 jobs and more than 50 planned projects hinge on success so its importance cannot be overstated.

Stressing as much, face-to-face, to key decision-makers could prove pivotal.

Maintaining a united front is vital.