LISTEN: Call for timescale on Inverness City Deal
Drew Hendry MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey quizzes the UK Government on a timescale for finalising the city deal.
Drew Hendry MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey is calling on the UK Government to set out a timescale for finalising a city deal for the city.
Asking about the progress of the Inverness City deal in the House of Commons, Drew Hendry MP said:
"Will the Minister commit to advancing discussions, and will he indicate a timescale for finalising the process to allow the deal to get under way?”
In response to the enquiry, Communities and Local Government Minister, James Wharton MP gave assurances that the deal had been discussed and that he wanted it to progress, but stopped short of giving a timescale for finalising the deal.
Earlier this year the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell announced an initial tranche of £3 million for upgrades to Inverness Castle and a free wi-fi scheme for the city.
Mr Hendry says he will push for the UK Government to commit funding to the full City Deal, expected to be in excess of £300 million.