Published Date: Sep 8th, 2020
Tay Cities Deal partners reaffirm desire to sign Final Deal
At a Tay Cities Deal Joint Committee meeting, held virtually due to ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions, the four local authorities, along with business and higher/further education and third sector representatives committed to signing as soon as possible.
Joint Committee chair councillor David Ross, Fife Council’s co-leader, said: “Having gone through a thorough review and an exhaustive process of negotiation, we think that this is the best deal we can secure at this stage. It is on the table and we are ready to sign.
“However, we will continue to press the case for acceleration of the Deal funding, particularly in regard to the very important James Hutton Institute projects.
“Despite our reservations over the timing of the funding, this is an important commitment for the area. The two governments have pledged £300million which will help to lever a further £400 million of investment into our city region.
“This money, and the 6,000 job opportunities across a range of industries that it will help to create, will be an important part of the combined response to the challenges posed to the local and national economy, particularly in the wake of coronavirus.”
Representatives of the Tay Cities Deal partners continue to have discussions with civil servants from both governments and have recommended to the Joint Committee that the deal be signed.
Cllr Ross added: “It remains for us to get a mutually convenient date in everyone’s diary and put pen to paper, even if that is virtual or socially distanced, so that we can push on with the important business of delivering for the people of the Tay Cities area.”
In addition to agreeing to proceed to signing the Deal the partnership also agreed to continue to express its strong support for the James Hutton Institute projects, request accelerated funding in the first 5 years of the Deal and press the UK Government to commit its funding over 10 years rather than the planned 15.