Edinburgh Deal Halfway: Jobs, Homes, & Growth

0:00The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region deal reached its halfway point last month. Signed back in 2018, this 1.5 billion-pound agreement with the UK and Scottish governments aims to boost growth and cut. Inequality across the area. Partnering with nearby councils like Fife and the Scottish borders, plus universities and businesses, the deal has already unlocked 3.6 billion pounds in economic gains. It has created or safeguarded more than 30,000 jobs and built over 8,000 homes outpacing other Scottish growth deals. Leaders point to successes like the new Bay Center, Edinburgh Futures Institute, and affordable housing in Granson as proof that local control delivers real results, especially in training young people for better careers. Last week, the UK Chancellor announced plans to hand English regions a share of national taxes, along with wider powers over transport, skills, housing, and green projects to even out the economy. While Scotland's first minister has floated some regional teamwork on skills and planning,

1:04critics say it's too limited compared to England. They're urging Holyrood to devolve real authority so this powerhouse region can keep leading the way. Local news, power by AI, this is Edinburgh News