Green councillors have described the City Region Deal as a long way short of what it could have been.
Green councillor Melanie Main said:
“Of course £600m is an awful lot of money, so any additional investment has to be welcome. However, the truth is that the offer is less than what was expected and what is missing is as important as what is included.
“On transport, the priority should be dramatic improvements to public transport, walking and cycling; instead the centrepiece is the Sheriffhall roundabout.
“On housing, the offer, as it stands, is way short of what is needed for the region and a much bolder approach to land supply has been ducked.
“Also missing is any commitment to regional energy planning and both UK and Scottish Governments have resisted calls to give councils powers to raise their own funds, through, for example, a visitor levy.
“It’s been said that this City Deal will be the final one of its kind. It certainly feels that way. The task now is to make sure that this weaker deal can be fully focused on building the cleaner, greener economy which is the city region’s only future.”