City Region Deals and social enterprise
Posted: 30 October 2024, in News
There are many policy initiatives that have a direct impact on the daily work of Scotland’s social enterprises and the local communities they serve.
City Region Deals are one example where a lot of money is involved but where, sometimes, the social enterprise voice has been unheard.
City Region Deals are effectively large funding packages for a particular city and surrounding areas.
The core aim is to achieve long-term strategic approaches for regional economies, with additional investment, new jobs and “inclusive economic growth”.
Where there’s no nearby city, then a Growth Deal exists. Every area of Scotland has now been covered by one of these deals.
The initiative is a series of joint investment ventures agreed between the Scottish Government, the UK Government and local partners.
The City Region and Regional Growth Deals are implemented by organisations in each local area and overseen by the Scottish City Region and Growth Deal Delivery Board.
Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland, as well as local businesses, colleges and universities are also involved, alongside other local and regional partners.
Each of the deals is tailored to its region, reflecting its individual economic strengths and weaknesses, and comprises a programme of interventions to support positive, transformative change.
Some social enterprises and local support bodies have been closely involved with their city region or growth deal while many others have not had the opportunity to take a meaningful role in their development.
As part of the development of this policy initiative a review and consultation is now taking place by the Economy and Fair Work Committee of The Scottish Parliament.
We’re certainly keen to hear about the views and experiences of local social enterprises regarding their own role, or indeed lack of involvement, in these deals.
We’re urging all social enterprises to respond directly to the consultation and to also let us know what should be in our collective response too: duncan.thorp@socialenterprise.scot
Social Enterprise Scotland is also going to be hosting a webinar on City Region Deals and Social Enterprises, all welcome to attend and learn more, as well as share your own views and experiences where possible.
We look forward to hearing about the local benefits of City Region and Growth Deals, as well as learning the lessons of the deals for any future, similar initiatives.
Duncan Thorp, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Social Enterprise Scotland
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