Cross-border local authority partners have today (Wednesday, 22 November 2017) welcomed the inclusion of The Borderlands Initiative in the UK government’s budget statement.
With Scottish Government support, this project overcomes political and cross-border differences to provide tremendous opportunities for the area’s future economic stability.
The Borderlands Initiative brings together the five cross-border local authorities of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council to promote the economic growth and competitiveness of an area that straddles the Scotland-England border.
Earlier this year a formal proposition was submitted to the UK and Scottish governments for consideration, focusing on the factors which make the area attractive to investors, visitors and those who wish to relocate. It also seeks to tackle the need for population growth and improved productivity.
A Borderlands Initiative spokesperson said:
“Our shared ambition is to play our full part in the regional and wider UK economy and unlock the potential of the south of Scotland and north of England. Discussions with both governments have been positive and we welcome the inclusion of the Borderlands Initiative in the Chancellor’s budget statement, which now marks the start of the next stage in the process. The Initiative remains at a relatively early stage, but we look forward to ongoing
collaboration and discussion with both governments, with a view to securing agreement as soon as possible.”The Borderlands Initiative is focusing on several key themes, including: digital technology; innovation; low carbon;and energy. The approach is based on existing physical and infrastructure connections, and transport andconnectivity are at the heart of the partners’ proposals, linking the opportunities that can be created and informing
future projects. The detail of the partners’ proposals to the UK and Scottish governments is confidential and therefore further detail cannot be released at this time.Elaine Murray, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said:
“Building the local economy is one of our Council’s top priorities but brings with it some real challenges due to the rural nature of our region, which is why we are seizing this opportunity to work together with our neighbouring Local Authorities from both sides of the Border to promote and encourage investment and innovation in our area to deliver transformative change across the region.“Through this ambitious and unique partnership we will be able to develop a range of projects, some cutting across several councils, others specific to our area. The Borderlands initiative will not only increase our lobbying powers at both the Westminster and Scottish Government’s but will also act as a mechanism for leveraging additional public and private sector investment and resources to drive long term growth our region.”
