Swinney sets out vision for regional partnerships with new powers

Regional economic partnerships will be formed and handed powers if the SNP wins the next election, the First Minister has said.

Speaking at the State of the City Economy conference in Glasgow on Friday, John Swinney told attendees he wants to see regions “expand their strategic capacities and role”.

Areas like the Glasgow City Region – which includes the local authorities around Scotland’s largest city – could be in line for powers such as planning over time, if the SNP returns to government after May’s election and passes proposed legislation.

The planning system has long been criticised for being too cumbersome and taking too long, and moving its powers to a more regional body could be seen as a way to speed up the process.

Speaking at the conference, the First Minister said: “Glasgow and Scotland are well placed to flourish in the years ahead. It is because we are so blessed that I am all the more determined to deliver on my Government’s central economic mission: to increase the wealth and wellbeing of our citizens by building a more productive, more dynamic, and more regionally balanced economy  driven by innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.

“I want our regional partnerships like Glasgow City Region to have the opportunity to expand their strategic capacities and role, with a package of additional devolved competencies available over time.

“On the table, powers such as skills, economic development and planning. That includes empowering Scotland’s regions because working in partnership with national government, it is our regions that are best placed to drive inclusive economic growth in a way that is both local and strategic.”

Cosla environment and economy spokeswoman Gail McGregor said a “place-based” policy-making approach is “essential”, adding: “Looking to the future, we are seeking to maximise the benefits that regional economies can realise, and the First Minister’s announcement today is a positive step in that journey.

“I particularly welcome the place-based flexibility and empowerment suggested, and look forward to working with partners to develop these proposals further.”