Moray MP Douglas Ross has secured a commitment from the UK and Scottish Governments that both administrations will do everything possible to get the ambitious Moray Growth Deal fully signed off by the end of the year. The local MP pressed the case for the full deal to be signed off by both governments as Ministers appeared in front of the Scottish Affairs committee that Douglas is a member of. The committee were taking evidence on City and Region growth deals across Scotland.
Commenting after the committee Douglas said: “It was a good opportunity at this week’s Scottish Affairs Committee to once again press the case for the Moray Growth Deal. Having both the Scotland Office Minister Ian Stewart and Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance at the committee with their officials meant the people who will ultimately sign off the deal could hear how important it is to get the full programme agreed in the next couple of months.
“Both Ministers agreed to do everything possible to get the full deal signed off by November and were enthusiastic about the projects that have been identified and the work of the council, partners and the Business Assembly.
“The Moray Growth Deal will provide millions of pounds of investment to our area and will be a boost for the local economy and employment. Signing off the deal in full by the end of the year will release the money from the UK and Scottish Governments, which alongside funding from Moray Council and local businesses, will allow many ambitious projects to get going, such as the planned cultural quarter for Elgin and the aviation academy.
“I campaigned strongly to secure the Moray Growth Deal and the funding that comes with it through the joint investment from both the UK and Scottish governments. The delivery of these projects and many more will show what can be achieved when our two governments work together. It will be the people of Moray - as well as our local economy - that will reap the benefits of this joint working."
