Glasgow City Region City Deal steps up a gear
A £1.13bn jobs and infrastructure programme took a major step forward today as the Glasgow City Region agreed to develop a manifesto for economic development and growth.
Leaders of the eight local authorities in the region also agreed to take on responsibility for focusing on new priority areas of work that will help deliver the 28,000 new jobs the City Deal is expected to deliver for the region.
It came as new branding and a website for the Glasgow City Region City Deal was launched.
Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the City Deal Cabinet, said: “The Glasgow City Region City Deal is fundamentally about jobs and prosperity for all of the communities we serve.
“It’s much more than just an infrastructure project – it’s about improving lives and providing opportunities for everyone who lives and works here, or who does business here.
“The Glasgow City Region is the economic powerhouse of Scotland so we want to be at the forefront of shaping and leading the long-term future of the area.
“Our cabinet speaks with a single voice and that’s reflected in our new brand, which captures the unity of purpose and strength our combined authorities represent.
“We’ll deliver a manifesto later this year which will set out our aspirations for how we want the City Region to maximise its economic potential.
“We welcome that there’s a debate opening up about a host of issues, such as regional economic partnerships, and we’ll work with all of our key partners in government and national and regional agencies as we help shape the future landscape.”
City Deal background
The UK and Scottish Governments are each giving the Glasgow City Region £500million in grant funding for the City Deal, and the local authorities will borrow a further £130million.
The City Deal will bring tens of thousands of jobs to Glasgow City Region over the next few decades through 20 major infrastructure projects; drive innovation and growth through the support of key sectors such as life sciences; and address challenges in the region’s labour market.
It is expected to give the City Region a permanent uplift in its GVA of £2.2billion per annum (4.4%); generate 15,000 construction jobs during the construction period and 28,000 permanent additional jobs once construction is complete; and will unlock £3.3billion of private sector investment.
The eight local authorities participating in this City Deal are: East Dunbartonshire Council; East Renfrewshire Council; Glasgow City Council; Inverclyde Council; North Lanarkshire Council; Renfrewshire Council; South Lanarkshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Council.
