North Lanarkshire Council's depute leader has set out the advantages of being part of the Glasgow City Region partnership.
Local leaders recently reviewed significant progress by the Glasgow City Region partnership and agreed on next steps to secure further local funding and powers from the UK and Scottish Governments.
Recent wins for the local economy
A new report detailed recent successes for the local economy achieved by the partnership of eight councils. Over the past twelve months, the Region has secured additional funding, recognition, and progress on major projects, now managing a portfolio exceeding £2 billion.
North Lanarkshire Council depute leader, Councillor Louise Roarty, said: “In North Lanarkshire, Glasgow City Region investment is helping us develop the strategic roads network, infrastructure and transport links to attract new business and industry and create jobs for local people.
“Over the last year, progress has continued on the new Pan-Lanarkshire orbital transport corridor, to link the M74 in the south with the M80 in the north, and the East Airdrie Link Road, a new road link from the M8 to the A73.
“Plans for new active travel routes between communities and employment areas along the M8 are being drawn up, and construction is underway at Ravenscraig on six new good quality, energy efficient, light industrial units.
“Through the City Region Investment Zone, local business Skyrora has been given approved to create an advanced spacecraft manufacturing and testing facility in Cumbernauld.
“More than £25,000 investment in communities and over 235 jobs, apprenticeships, and skills and training opportunities have been committed through North Lanarkshire's City Deal contracts. Fifty per cent of these, worth £12.2 million, have been awarded to local companies, and 18% have been awarded to local SMEs.
“By working in partnership with partners and other local authorities through Glasgow City Region, North Lanarkshire residents and business benefit from significant innovation, opportunities and investment.”
Devolution package plans
The Cabinet of eight leaders agreed on plans to develop a detailed proposal for negotiations with the UK and Scottish Governments regarding the Region's Devolution package. A taskforce from the eight member councils, key government agencies, the third sector, industry, and the Glasgow City Region team will shape the proposal.
The proposal will cover themes including transport, housing, infrastructure, skills, economic development, investment, governance, finance, and legislative considerations.
Key principles agreed included developing a specifically Scottish model of regional empowerment that supports devolution from national government to the regional level, respects the statutory role of local authorities, strengthens accountability, and enables more coherent delivery across the economic geography of Glasgow City Region.
It was emphasised that the Region's proposition will be framed as a practical contribution to the reform agenda of both governments, strengthening growth, improving public service outcomes, supporting prevention, unlocking investment, simplifying delivery arrangements, and ensuring better alignment of accountability, funding, and delivery responsibility.
Poverty, Health, and Inclusion workstream
A distinct Poverty, Health and Inclusion workstream will also play a critical role in ensuring that inclusive economy principles are embedded throughout the emerging and final devolution proposition. The group will develop local policy objectives in relation to poverty, health, and inclusion. It will act as a golden thread across the wider programme of work to ensure that proposed powers, investments and governance arrangements contribute positively to reducing poverty and improving outcomes for people and communities across the Region.
