Moray Growth deal raised with Boris Johnson
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Douglas Ross has called for investment in the £100million Moray Growth Deal to be "fast-tracked".
Speaking to Boris Johnson earlier today at Prime Minister's Questions, Moray's MP asked if the time-frame could be cut from 15 years to 10 years or less.
Mr Ross said: "The Prime Minister is aware of the success we have seen across Scotland of the city and regional growth deals.
"Moray is set to benefit from both the Scottish and UK governments working together on our own deal.
"However, would my right honourable friend agree that the benefit to Moray could be even greater if the UK government contribution was spread over a shorter period that the current 15 years? Say, ten or less?
"Would he agree with me that that would be something that would be very beneficial, very worthwhile and would be welcomed by everyone involved in the Moray Growth Deal?"
The Moray Growth Deal is a joint UK and Scottish government initiative, which have pledged £32.5million each, with the remaining £million coming from the council or private investors.
Of the £100million total:
- £40.6million will be used on creating two Moray College/UHI growth hubs
- £31.1million on culture, tourism and town centre regeneration
- £7million for a manufacturing innovation base
- £7.5million on housing
- £5million for digital advances in public health
- £5million to boost maths, science and engineering skills
- £4.3million on public transport improvements.
Mr Ross' call echoes the position taken by the Moray Business Forum, which has also said that the promised investment in the region should happen as soon as possible.
In reply, the Prime Minister said: "I thank my honourable friend for this campaign. He's raised this idea with me before.
"While we will certainly look at what he's said, I'm very glad that we have signed the heads of terms on the Moray Growth Deal.
"It will bring over £30million of investment and I thank him for all the lobbying that he's been doing."
Mr Ross' office subsequently issued a press release.
In it he stated: "Scottish Conservative MP for Moray Douglas Ross said: "The Covid-19 pandemic will have a severe economic impact on the whole country.
"That’s why I welcome the UK Government announcement this week of major investment in green energy.
"For the same reason, we should be pushing ahead as quickly as possible with the investment agreed as part of the Moray Growth Deal.
"The projects involved will bring huge benefits to Moray as we work to rebuild our economy after the Coronavirus crisis.
"This benefit could be even greater if the UK Government contribution could be spread over a shorter period.
"I’ve been making strong representations to the government on this and the opportunity to raise it at Prime Minister’s Questions allowed Moray’s case to be heard loud and clear
"I think this would be very worthwhile and would be welcomed by everybody involved.
"I am urging the UK Government to fast-track this investment to benefit individuals and businesses across Moray."
