The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Politicians clash over claims of ‘delays’ to £1.8bn cash deal bid
MP and council at loggerheads over progress with work
The head of Perth and Kinross Council has strongly rejected accusations his administration is holding up progress on the £1.8 billion Tay Cities Deal.
Local authority leader Ian Campbell has clashed with SNP MP Pete Wishart over claims there was “growing impatience” and frustration among other authorities involved in the bid.
Mr Wishart wrote to Mr Campbell demanding assurances, following an exchange at the Scottish Affairs Committee with Scotland Office minister Lord Duncan.
Lord Duncan told Mr Wishart the spread of projects put forward as part of the application “isn’t quite as large as we would like” and said the Perthshire area would be looked at again.
Speaking after the committee, Lord Duncan insisted progress was going well and there was no suggestion of a delay.
However, Mr Wishart said the comments suggested an underlying problem. “At the Scottish Affairs Committee, Lord Duncan appeared to suggest that the Tay Cities Deal may be held up because of an imbalance of Scottish and UK offers from Perth and Kinross Council.
“I don’t need to remind this Tory council just how important this deal is to the whole Tayside area.
“There is growing impatience with Perth and Kinross Council from partners in the Tay Cities Deal, frustrated at this delay.
“This is far too important for Perthshire and this Tory administration now needs to get its act together and get this resolved.”
However, Mr Campbell rejected the claims, claiming Mr Wishart was “confused”. He said: “There is no delay in securing the Tay Cities Deal. It is being evaluated by both governments and is in line with the timetable.
“In fact, Scottish Government minister Keith Brown will be in Perth next week to discuss the deal’s progress.
“It would appear that once again our MP with a wafer thin majority is confused.”
Mr Campbell also dismissed claims of growing frustration as “nonsense”.
“I meet regularly with my opposite numbers in Dundee, Angus and Fife and we are totally supportive of each other and focused on getting the best deal.”