Commitment to develop a City Region Deal for Edinburgh and South East Scotland

In response to recent news articles detailing the progress of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, comprising the Scottish Borders, City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian and West Lothian,  City of Edinburgh Council Leader Andrew Burns said: ‘‘The partners that make up the Edinburgh and South East Scotland city region are delighted to have received commitment from the UK and Scottish Governments to develop a city region deal that will deliver a step change in economic performance while tacking inequalities. Detailed discussions will take place in the new year and we are aiming to have a deal agreed by the Spring Budget in March 2016.”

The Scottish Borders, City of Edinburgh, Fife, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian local authorities submitted an initial proposal in September 2015 that outlined the general principles of the deal they were looking to secure which had received strong support from private, public and third sector organisations within the region. Both the UK and Scottish governments have recognised the importance and contribution of the City of Edinburgh and the wider region to Scottish and wider UK growth and have committed to work with the partners to develop a comprehensive plan to maximise opportunities.