Stirling politicians take bid for city deal to Westminster

Councillor Scott Farmer, Steven Paterson MP, Councillor Johanna Boyd, Councillor Neil Benny - Image credit: Stirling Council

A cross-party group of politicians from Stirling has taken to Westminster to press for a city deal for the region.

Stirling Council leader Johanna Boyd, depute leader Neil Benny, opposition leader Scott Farmer and SNP MP Steven Paterson took part in the London delegation.

The group met with senior UK Government figures to discuss Stirling’s plans to transform central Scotland into an “economic and cultural powerhouse”

A bid to bring a city to the region was initiated by Stirling Council 18 months ago with support from neighbouring local authority Clackmannanshire Council.

According to the two councils, it has included “extensive consultation” with local people, councillors, national agencies and business, as well as the University of Stirling, Forth Valley College and the Stirling City Commission.

Johanna Boyd said the deal was designed to benefit the entire region, boosting its national and global profile and delivering a healthier, wealthier and greener future for all its people. 

Speaking after the meetings in Westminster, Boyd said: “We launched this bid knowing that the proposed City Deal is a golden opportunity and one we must grasp with both hands to make the change we want to see across the area, particularly for our most in-need communities.”

“A huge amount of work has gone into this and there is real determination to see it happen.”

Farmer said what differentiates the city deal is its focus on the wellbeing and prosperity of the people not just on projects and infrastructure.  

Paterson said he was “delighted” to lead the cross-party delegation of elected representatives and officers from Stirling Council to talks with Scotland Office ministers on the city deal bid.

“The bid itself aims to unlock economic potential across the Stirling area and such investment would bring great opportunities for growth and jobs,” he said.

“The meeting was an optimistic and positive discussion on the comprehensive business plan for Stirling and as we welcome the UK Government’s support on the matter. I hope to see this turn into firm commitment in the weeks ahead.”