‘Cluttered’ region deals a risk to Fife

Committee warns City Region Deals need urgent attention

Concerns have been raised over an ambitious multimillion-pound blueprint for the future development of Fife after a new report warned opposing policies were “confused and cluttered”.

Several vital projects across Fife are contingent on funding under the £1 billion Edinburgh City Deal.

However, the Deal or No Deal report by Holyrood’s local government and communities committee warned there were significant issues with the City Region Deals, which must be addressed “as a matter of urgency”.

Convener Bob Doris said while there was much to welcome, there is also a risk that some parts of Scotland could lose out on the benefits projects may bring.

The report said the committee was “not convinced” about the selection process for projects to be taken forward, calling for guidance to provide a clear pan-Scotland system for evaluation.

In Fife campaigners were already left bitterly disappointed by the “spectacular omission” of Levenmouth rail link from the final deal last year.

Significant issues with Scotland’s City Region Deals must be addressed, according to a Holyrood report.

There was some “scepticism about what is being promised” particularly when it came to jobs, according to the local government and communities committee’s Deal or No Deal investigation.

While MSPs said there was “much to welcome”, there were issues which had to be tackled “as a matter of urgency”.

Of concern was the “confused and cluttered” priorities of the UK and Scottish governments and local authorities which run the risk of cutting the impact of what could be achieved.

There are also fears that more rural and remote areas and towns not covered by deals could miss out.

The report called for engagement with local communities and businesses in a meaningful way, rather than telling them after decisions had been made.

Committee convener Bob Doris said while a £3.3 billion investment to create jobs and build thriving areas around cities, some of which are in the most impoverished and deprived areas of Scotland, was welcome it was clear there were “significant issues” which had to be addressed.

“That’s why we strongly recommend all governments, national and local, work together and agree to a single focus, as a key priority should be maximising benefits for local communities.”

He added: “There is also a risk that some parts of Scotland could miss out or lose out on the benefits that these projects may bring, and that other initiatives are treated as the poor cousin in comparison.

“In order for City Region Deals to be a success right across Scotland, we need clarity on when this initiative will be extended to all.

“As these deals are in the early years of a 10-20 year programme of investment, our committee will be keeping a close eye to check whether these improvements have been made and whether further action is required,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Tay Cities Deal said: “Throughout the bid process we have been keen to listen to other people’s experiences of bidding for and implementing their city deals.

“We will continue to listen, learn and seek to implement best practice at every opportunity.”

Fife Council co-leader David Ross said: “I would agree that there is much to welcome in the city deal approach but that it has its weak spots as well.

“The report rightly identifies the complexities involved in bringing together the different priorities of the two governments and the various local authorities involved in each deal.”

He was pleased the report highlighted Fife’s disappointment that Levenmouth rail link was not funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

Meanwhile, a UK Government spokesman said it would continue to work with the Scottish Government and local partners as further plans develop.