Borderlands growth bid submitted

2 October 2018

Multi-million pound plans "to transform the economy" of southern Scotland and northern England have been submitted.

The Borderlands Partnership has passed its proposals for a growth deal to the UK and Scottish governments.

Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Cumbria and Carlisle City councils are all part of the initiative.

A conference in Dumfries earlier this year was told it could be "transformational" for the area.

A statement from the Borderlands Partnership described the submission of the bid as a "key milestone" for the project.

Among its main goals is to look at the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway beyond Tweedbank to Carlisle.

It also involves four specific place-based projects, which are:

Negotiations will now take place with the UK and Scottish governments to develop a business case and take the project forward.

What has been said about the deal being submitted?

David Mundell said the deal was "genuinely innovative"

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "The Borderlands Growth Deal is a genuinely innovative initiative and has the potential to transform the economy of the whole region, both in the south of Scotland and across the border, creating jobs and increasing prosperity."
Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said: "We are moving closer to a truly historic Borderlands Growth Deal which will deliver investment, create jobs and drive economic growth in the Northern Powerhouse and across the Borderlands region."
Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Secretary Michael Matheson said: "The Scottish government is committed to working towards a Borderlands deal that will drive inclusive growth, delivering real economic benefit for individuals, businesses and communities across the region."
UK Borderlands Champion John Stevenson said: "The submission of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a very significant moment for our region. It is a unique opportunity for the area which I believe is only the start of an economic revival."
South of Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said the area should not be "short-changed" by the deal. He added: "It is vital that the UK and Scottish governments match the ambition of the councils submitting the growth deal and deliver a similar level of funding to other areas."