Statement from Aberdeen City Council Leader:City Region Deal

20 January 2016

Statement from Aberdeen City Council Leader Jenny Laing regarding the proposals for an Aberdeen City Region Deal.

"We have always felt that we had a very compelling case for a City Region Deal for Aberdeen and it is encouraging to hear the positive supportive comments from the Secretary of State for Scotland and the First Minister today.

"Our officers have been working closely with our colleagues in Aberdeenshire, the private sector and the UK and Scottish governments and have held joint negotiations on detailed proposals for investment in innovation, internationalisation, digital connectivity and infrastructure.

"Aberdeen has long been recognised as a key driver of the Scottish and UK economy, but the downturn that we are currently experiencing in the oil and gas industry has brought the need for intervention from all three levels of government into sharp focus.

"We believe the City Region Deal will help to secure the long-term future of this area and ensure Aberdeen continues to contribute substantially to UK Plc for decades to come. We have been aware that a decision was imminent, and given the statements made today, we look forward to financial details of the contributions from both governments being announced at the earliest opportunity."