I want the UK Government to take a bigger role in Scotland’s City Region Deals, including the Stirling city region deal.
Therefore, I have urged the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to set up a delivery unit in Central Scotland, getting boots on the ground as we reach the delivery phrase of these growth deals. This would include involvement in joint venture and investment panels locally.
I have also written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on a number of issues regarding the Stirling City region deal. I have asked for the early release of MoD land at Forthside, to enable quicker construction of a new hub of technology and business.
I also wrote to ask about the National Tartan Centre, which will be an internationally renowned place of excellence in fashion and creativity. This is to be a great UK Government investment in Stirling.
It is time we saw a return on the large sums of money announced for city region deals, including £90 million from the UK and Scottish Governments for Stirling.
As a member of the BEIS committee I will continue to push for this.