Dunfermline MP wants more money from ?1.3 billion city deal
That's according to local MP Douglas Chapman who said there was always a concern that "much of the investment" would be focused on the capital rather than the areas that make up the partnership.
But now that Dunfermline has equal status as a city, he said we must be "more assertive" in making the case to both governments for a bigger share of the pie.[1]
Raising the issue during a briefing session held by Forth Ports, on the future plans for a Green Freeport on the Forth[2], Mr Chapman said “To hear the update from Forth Ports on future opportunities for Leith, Grangemouth and Rosyth was very encouraging for economic development, building a greener future, skills and jobs and ensuring that Scottish exporters have vital links into our main market in Europe via a direct ferry link from Rosyth.
The vision for Rosyth waterfront is set to be realised after the Forth was chosen as the location for a new green freeport. Pic: Forth Ports. (Image: Forth Ports)
“To accelerate progress, we need to look for more funding from government and that could come from extending the Edinburgh City deal.
"At the time of signing back in 2018 the deal focused much of the available cash on Edinburgh, including public transport improvements, connecting road developments, a new concert venue and a data driven innovation programme which were all destined for the capital.
"Things have changed enormously since then and following Dunfermline’s accolade of becoming Scotland’s eighth city, the city deal should, could and must reflect Dunfermline’s new found status."
The deal is a partnership of local authorities, universities and colleges, and the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver a 15-year programme with the aim of transforming the regional economy.
However there's a perception that West Fife has only received the crumbs from the top table – the only tangible benefits seem to be 10 business units being constructed near Amazon's warehouse – and that most of the money has gone elsewhere.
This is despite Dunfermline being recognised as one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, with thousands of houses[3] on the way and major infrastructure and transport improvements required.
Mr Chapman, who previously flagged up concerns about the "very Edinburgh-centric"[4] deal, said there must now be a 'two-city approach' and more investment, which would be a timely boost ahead of Tuesday's conference in the Glen Pavilion on how to make the most of city status.
He added: “Just as Fife Council intend to meet to discuss the future plans for our city, we really should be pushing for additional funding to deliver a greener, more prosperous and ambitious city and my view is that the time is right to become more assertive in our ask list and to take this opportunity to put Dunfermline on the map like never before.
"I am seeking support from councillors, MSPs and the wider Dunfermline public to help identify where our many strengths lie and how we can build a good place into a better place to live, learn, work and play in the years ahead.”
References
- ^ bigger share of the pie. (www.dunfermlinepress.com)
- ^ Green Freeport on the Forth (www.dunfermlinepress.com)
- ^ thousands of houses (www.dunfermlinepress.com)
- ^ "very Edinburgh-centric" (www.dunfermlinepress.com)