Now this is really good news. A power of work has been done by the two local authorities and others to secure this investment. But I hope it will not be frittered away. The City Region Deal will supposedly address a number of proposals from the region including a new energy innovation centre, supporting the industry to exploit remaining North Sea reserves, as well towards the expansion of Aberdeen harbour, enabling the city to compete for decommissioning work. The City Region Deal also sets out how the region will diversify the biopharmaceutical and agri-food industries, diversifying the area’s economy and creating new jobs and export opportunities, as well as commitments to improve digital connectivity across the area.
This morning the Scottish Government gave some indication of its contribution. There will be an initial £200 million additional funding to help improve journey times and increase capacity on key rail links between Aberdeen and the Central Belt.
• £24 million of funding for the trunk roads programme to support improvements to the key A90/A937 south junction at Laurencekirk.
• £10 million for extension of digital infrastructure in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area above and beyond the commitment through the City Region Deal.
• £20 million in infrastructure funding to unlock housing sites that are of strategic importance to the local authorities as well as five year certainty on £130 million of affordable housing grant.
I would welcome some more investment in our rail network locally, such as new stations and more trains.