Report calls for support for Glasgow's economy
A new report on Brexit has called on the UK and Scottish governments to plug funding gaps caused by Britain leaving the EU.
A new report on Brexit has called on the UK and Scottish governments to plug funding gaps caused by Britain leaving the EU.
The joint report, by Glasgow City Council, the Glasgow Economic Leadership board and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, argues that without significant funding, future economic growth will be stifled.
Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "I believe that Brexit will confront Glasgow with major economic challenges. I also believe these can be overcome if special action is taken by the Scottish and UK governments. If that happens then the problems associated with Brexit can become an opportunity for economic growth and not a threat of crisis."
The report outlines six key areas of action for the Scottish and UK governments. These are:
1) To match funds to the same level of crucial EU structural and investment funds, as these are vital to economic growth. This is currently worth £780 million to Scotland between 2014 and 2020. 2) Scottish and UK governments to accelerate City Deal capital infrastructure works, principally in relation to the approvals required for enhanced surface access to Glasgow Airport, with other projects accelerated in conjunction with the Scottish Government. 3) Both governments should transfer surplus land holdings in Glasgow to Glasgow City Council to allow the acceleration of major housing building programmes that will provide a major jobs stimulus and help meet the city's housing needs. 4) More effective collaborations on economic development and skills between the Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, its agencies and business to support higher levels of competitiveness, innovation and economic growth. 5) A commitment to fund beyond 2019/20 the major EU research programme (Horizon 2020) and to clarify the immigration status of EU students for 2017/18. In this regard the Scottish Government's commitment to continue to fund EU students studying in Glasgow and those about to enrol is welcomed. 6) The Scottish Government should introduce a two-year moratorium on non-domestic rates for new build Grade A properties that are not fully let. This would stimulate speculative development at a time when it is most required post-Brexit.
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, says: "In order to take advantage of the new world as it exists in the aftermath of the Brexit vote and to seize the opportunities that will be presented to us, a clear, collective, coherent and forward looking approach from the City of Glasgow and from the Scottish and UK governments is required.
"We cannot do this alone and whilst uncertainly continues around our future trading relationship with the EU we must combine all our efforts now to secure investment and jobs and to boost trade. "The Glasgow economy is robust, dynamic and multi-faceted and well placed to take advantage of what is soon to come. There are clear challenges that lie ahead but to take full advantage of the opportunities that will arise and help smooth over the inevitable bumps along the way, we must work together and we must act quickly."