East Lothian City Deal must look beyond business as usual

We're calling for the South-east Scotland "City Deal" to be firmly focused on a local economy which is both greener and fairer.

This major programme is a partnership of Edinburgh, East Lothian, the two other Lothian councils plus Fife and Scottish Borders, which have come together to work up a £1 billion funding package to improve the economic fortunes of the city region.  

 

Similar models are in place in Glasgow and various English cities.  Under the model, UK and Scottish governments and local councils borrow money up front to improve the economy, on the assumption that future higher tax receipts will pay it back.  

 

However, we say that the kind of investment needed must be based on a vision of what a more sustainable economy looks like decades ahead. 

Isla and Jason of East Lothian Greens

 

Musselburgh-based Green campaigner Jason Rose said: 

 

“The City Deal is a major opportunity to get funding into the local economy. The benefits need to be spread through all six participating councils and jobs created for people who need them most – our younger people and those who need help to get back into work. 

 

“However, the kind of economy also matters.  If the investment was to be for more roads andout­of­town shopping centres, for example, then that locks us into an economy which simply won’t work in 2030 or 2040, even if it worked now. 

 

“I have already asked East Lothian Council officials how they intend to measure the success of this deal, how they will ensure geographic spread of investment and how they think this deal will tackle inequality. I look forward to meeting with officials soon to discuss these issues.”

 

North Berwick-based Green campaigner Isla Aitken said:

 

“A major driver of the City Deal has to be a low carbon economy: for example, investing in public transport and walking and cycling to work; or spending on technology which allows people to work at home or remotely; or creating jobs from major investment in energy conservation, freeing up other funds for direct economic benefit.

 

“We need a city deal for East Lothian that is more than business as usual.”