MP critical of ‘dithering, delays and doubts’ over potential £1bn bonanza

SNP’S Chris Law wants action to see Tay Cities Deal finalised

Delays to the Tay Cities Deal are putting Dundee’s economic resurgence at risk, says an SNP MP.

Chris Law lashed out at the UK Government for stalling on the potential £1 billion investment package for the area. Tory minster Lord Duncan said a year ago he hoped the agreement would be signed off in early 2018 but it has still not been finalised.

The Courier understands it is unlikely to be published before Westminster breaks up for the summer at the end of this month.

But Luke Graham, the Conservative MP in Perthshire, warned against rushing the deal as he suggested the autumn is a “realistic” date for the job to be done properly.

Slating “dithering, delays and doubts” from the UK Government, Dundee West MP Mr Law said: “Thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment are riding on this deal, yet the UK Government seem happy for it to stall.

“Dundee is sitting at a crucial time right now in its redevelopment plan, and a decision is needed as soon as possible.”

Dundee, Fife, Angus and Perth and Kinross councils have asked the UK and Scottish governments for £1.8 billion through the city deal to spend on economy-boosting projects.

The wish-list includes funding to capitalise on the emerging oil and gas decommissioning industry, as well as transport improvements and investment in businesses and the arts.

Mr Graham said: “I would hope we would get some sort of answer in the autumn, that would be the realistic goal.

“From my point of view, for South Perthshire and Kinross-shire there are still some projects that currently aren’t included that I want included. They take argument, haggling, business cases to be reset and that is what takes longer.

“If you are saying to me it’s frustrating we have to wait two months, well, that two more months could be worth £10m-plus (to my constituency).”

A UK Government spokeswoman said it has been working with the Scottish Government and councils to “develop the proposals to ensure that the deal brings maximum benefit to the communities across the region”.

“We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and partners to ensure that this UK Government deal will deliver for Scotland,” the spokeswoman added.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We have written to the UK Government asking them to clarify their timeframe for the Tay Cities Deal and we are still waiting a response.

“We are confident that the deal will bring investment for the entire region, creating jobs and opportunities helping the area to grow and flourish.”

Mr Law says a decision “is needed as soon as possible”.