Eight councils team up to deliver jobs and growth

The move, a first in Scotland, will see authorities across the Glasgow City Region pursue a common economic strategy between now and the year 2035.

Working together, the group is targeting 100,000 extra jobs; 6,500 new businesses, and big improvements in qualifications, training and skills.

Councils also aim to bring thousands of hectares of vacant and derelict land into use and support the building of 110,000 new homes across the region.

Authorities across the city region formally agreed the joint strategy and action plan today, before presenting details to business and education leaders at a networking event at The Lighthouse, Scotland’s centre for design and architecture.

Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, Cllr Jim Logue said: “The Glasgow City Region is already the powerhouse of the Scottish economy – but, as council leaders, we are absolutely united in our determination to aim higher on jobs, skills and growth that benefits every community.

“This strategy and action plan represents a step-change in our approach.

“We are collaborating more closely than ever before and want to extend that strong, open partnership to the Scottish and UK Governments, the business community and other agencies, such as our colleges and universities.

“Only by working together will we build a more resilient and dynamic city region that delivers homes and jobs for a skilled workforce and prosperity for all its people.”

The eight authorities participating in the joint strategy are East Dunbartonshire Council; East Renfrewshire Council; Glasgow City Council; Inverclyde Council; North Lanarkshire Council; Renfrewshire Council; South Lanarkshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Council – existing partners in the Glasgow City Region City Deal, along with Scottish and UK governments.

However, the new project builds on and extends that collaboration – with authorities working more closely than ever before.

This means not only committing to a shared strategy, but agreeing to joint decision-making; integrated service delivery, and aligning resources to avoid duplication.

The plan identifies key priorities for the region’s economy; along with 50 specific actions, both short and long-term, to deliver them.

Scottish Government Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “I welcome the publication of the Glasgow City Region Economic Strategy and Action Plan. It is encouraging to see city region partners working collaboratively with each other and government to achieve positive regional and national economic outcomes.

“The Scottish Government is investing £500 million over the lifespan of the deal and we are fully committed to working closely with city region partners to maximise the opportunities created through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.”

UK Minister for Scotland Andrew Dunlop said: “The Glasgow City Deal is an ambitious plan to maximise the economic potential of the region, boosting the economy and creating jobs.

“We are pleased that every city in Scotland is on course to have their own UK City Deal. They are a great example of the UK Government working collaboratively with partners to deliver real change.”

The new Regional Economic Strategy and Action Plan can be downloaded at http://www.glasgowcityregion.co.uk/