Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Growth Deals

Wednesday 16 March 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government has committed more than 1.5 billion to growth deals across Scotland.
  • Growth deals are seen as an example of the UK and Scottish Governments working together to deliver jobs and opportunities.
  • The Borderlands growth deal is highlighted as a success story demonstrating the benefits of collaboration between councils, MPs, and Government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Stevenson Con
Economy Scotland
Context

The MP is inquiring about the recent impact assessment of growth deals on Scotland's economic recovery.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the impact of growth deals on the Scottish economy?

Answer from Iain Stewart

All parts of Scotland have a growth deal in implementation or negotiation, with the UK Government committing more than £1.5 billion. These agreements are stimulating local economies to build back better after the pandemic, delivering thousands of jobs across Scotland and enriching communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assessment of impact is not provided specifically; only commitments and general benefits are mentioned.

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Q2 Andy Carter
Economy Scotland
Context

The MP acknowledges the positive impact of growth deals and asks for agreement on their collaborative nature.

Question

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his answer. Does he agree that growth deals are an excellent example of the UK Government and the Scottish Government working together to extend opportunities and deliver jobs right across Scotland?

Answer from Iain Stewart

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that growth deals show what can be achieved when Scotland's two Governments work together. That is what people want. They are just one part of the UK Government's hugely ambitious levelling-up agenda, which last year saw the announcement of more than £191 million in investment projects in Scotland, supported by the levelling-up fund, the community renewal fund and the community ownership fund. In February, the levelling-up White Paper saw further good news for Scotland with the Glasgow innovation accelerator, which will create jobs and boost the regional economy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While agreeing on collaboration, no specific example or assessment of current effectiveness is provided.

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Q3 John Stevenson Con
Economy Local Government
Context

The MP acknowledges the success of the Borderlands growth deal and seeks potential for its continuation or enhancement.

Question

The Borderlands growth deal has been very well received on both sides of the border. It demonstrates the benefits of a close working relationship between councils, MPs and Government. Given that success, would the Minister envisage a further opportunity for a Borderlands mark 2?

Answer from Iain Stewart

I strongly agree with my hon. Friend that the Borderlands growth deal is a great demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together. I recently visited Innerleithen in the constituency of my right hon. Friend the Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale (David Mundell) and saw some of the great work that is happening there. What is really important about these growth deals is that they develop strong local partnerships that can form the basis for longer-term economic plans. My hon. Friend was a fantastic champion of the Borderlands growth deal, and I know that he will be at the forefront of developing these future plans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While expressing agreement on future potential, no concrete plan or commitment for 'Borderlands mark 2' is provided.

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