City Region Deals and Regional Growth Deals are funding deals agreed between the Scottish Government, the UK Government and local partners. They are designed to bring about long-term improvements to regional economies, attract investment, create new jobs and accelerate inclusive economic growth. There are currently 12 deals in Scotland at different stages of their lifecycles, with two deals still to conclude their final agreement.
The Economy and Fair Work Committee are undertaking an inquiry to look at the implementation and effectiveness of deals, considering how deals have contributed to addressing local issues, and supporting development and inclusive growth. As part of this work, the Committee will consider submissions made earlier this year to the Scottish Affairs Committee. The Committee is particularly keen to hear from Scottish businesses and Community groups.
The Committee is looking for responses to the following questions:
- How well is devolved decision-making working in practice? To what extent do local stakeholders, businesses and communities feel they have a stake in deals, and do projects selected address local priorities?
- To what extent have projects been scoped years before funding is allocated? What have the challenges been where this has happened?
- How do the aims of the deals align with other economic development policy in Scotland?
- Since the first deals were signed, there is now an expanded economic development landscape. A climate emergency has been declared and the Scottish National Investment Bank and the South of Scotland Enterprise have been established. How has this impacted on deals?
- How is the economic impact of deals being measured?
- How are lessons from earlier deals informing newer deals?
The call for views will run until 14 November 2024 and can be accessed online. Please note, you only need to answer the questions that are relevant to you, or that you have a view on.
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