A DEAL is edging closer between Fife and other councils for a £1 billion city region deal that would bring thousands of jobs. 

The proposals would see cash spent on major infrastructure projects with transport, housing, economic regeneration, energy and digital connectivity likely to be top priorities. 

In turn, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland (ESES) City Region Deal could leverage a further £3 billion of private sector investment with the potential for tens of thousands of jobs to be created. 

Councillors at the executive committee last week heard that the aim is for a Heads of Terms document to be agreed by the Spring with Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian councils.

Councillor David Ross, leader of Fife Council, said: “Through a shared vision, the local authorities involved are set to create new ways of doing things.

"This will give the ESES City Region greater autonomy and decision-making powers, as well as further increase opportunities for learning and development, and investment in infrastructure as well as further bolster our focus on building more affordable housing.” 

Negotiations are ongoing with the Scottish and UK governments on specific investment programmes and a shadow joint committee has been set up to progress the deal. 

Councillors were also told Fife Council will have to pay its way. 
A report to the committee said: “Financial arrangements for agreeing an ESES City Region Deal remain subject to ongoing negotiation. 

“Based on other agreed city deals, it can be assumed that partners will contribute between 10 per cent and 30 per cent of total project costs with the city deal investment funding specific infrastructure components.” 

It added: “An indicative investment of up to £30m may be required by Fife Council over the 10-year period, on a project-by-project basis.” 

The report stated: “The ESES City Region requires a long-term programme of sustained capital investment to tackle existing issues such as congestion that constrain growth as well as open up opportunities to improve productivity, tackle inequality and remain internationally competitive. 

“Without this capital investment programme, there is a risk that the region loses out on investment by the private sector and reduces its current contribution to the UK and Scottish economies.

"There is a further risk that the current situation, where a significant proportion of residents in the region lack the opportunity to share in the region’s economic prosperity, does not change.”