Scotland’s regions are diverse, with distinct (as well as shared) strengths and challenges. Yet, in terms of governance, Scotland is one of the most centralised countries in Europe.
Over the last decade, new regional governance and delivery mechanisms have been put in place to drive placed-based growth – such as Regional Growth Deals and Investment Zones – and these have generated some positive results.
However, regional delivery has been constrained by a lack of flexibility and – more generally – in the plethora of funding pots made available by Government. Facing severe funding gaps and with funding increasingly ring-fenced for national priorities, local economic development and planning services have been pared.
Regional partners have developed major propositions for private and public investment, but existing arrangements seem unlikely to deliver projects such as the Clyde Metro at scale.
In England, Mayoral Combined Authorities are gaining more powers and control over budgets to integrate regional economic delivery and unlock investment. Prosper members are concerned that Scottish city regions will fall behind in attracting private investment in areas like housing and energy, and from the UK Industrial Strategy.
We think that Scotland should urgently strengthen its regional economies by, first, identifying our regions’ economic priorities and, then, the delivery levers that they need.
We know that some in the business community are sceptical about parts of this agenda. Some sectors are concerned that on the global stage Scotland will only be competitive for investment as a single, integrated cluster; while others are concerned that more local revenue generating powers will add complexity and costs for businesses.
We support a new approach based on a shared position about the decisions and delivery best taken forward at a Scottish level and those that regions may choose to take forward.
Prosper is calling for the UK, Scottish and Local Government to strengthen the powers of Scotland’s places to drive growth – and businesses’ views must heard in their design.
LEADING SCOTLAND’S FUTURE
Join senior leaders from government, industry, and academia at Prosper’s Aviemore Summit 2025 on 13 – 14 November. Held 50 years after our first Aviemore Summit helped define Scotland’s oil era, this landmark event returns as Scotland stands at another pivotal moment: the transition to clean energy.
Join the discussion to tackle challenges like grid infrastructure, planning, ports and harbours to influence policy and investment. All perspectives and sectors welcome.
To book your place visit https://prosper.scot/events/aviemore-summit/
In association with Prosper
