MPs on Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee will begin an inquiry into the progress of £6.2 billion worth of funding provided to boost regional economic growth in Scotland.

City Region and Regional Growth Deals are two types of funding packages that cover every part of Scotland, and involve both the Scottish and UK governments, as well as local councils.

Currently 12 such deals exist across the nation, and are typically bolstered by business investment.

Last year, Audit Scotland reported that the pandemic, war in Ukraine, and high UK inflation put pressure on Scottish councils, warning that without additional funding, there is a real risk that these deals will not stretch as far as expected, and that partner funding from businesses may not materialise as a result.

The inquiry therefore aims to take stock of the City Region and Regional Growth Deals across Scotland to examine their delivery so far, and barriers to their success.

“City Region and Regional Growth Deals have the potential to provide fantastic economic opportunities for local economies across Scotland,” Committee chair Pete Wishart MP said.

“But given the challenging economic circumstances, are these plans achieving what Holyrood and Westminster intended?

“It is hugely important that deals agreed by the UK and Scottish Governments, with earmarked funding for Scottish regions, are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible. As a Committee, we will examine their progress so far and identify whether they are delivering what they intended – ensuring that City Region and Regional Growth Deals deliver for the people of Scotland.”

The deals range between cities and regions to meet specific needs, and are designed to encourage economic growth and create jobs.

Often, these involve working with local partners on long-term infrastructure schemes, but are also often involved in launching educational and tech initiatives.

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For instance, improved broadband and mobile coverage is one priority of the Inverness and Highland deal, while Tay Cities, the newest deal, includes a commitment of £25 million biomedical sector investment.

The committee is seeking information on the contribution of City Region Deals and Regional Growth Deals to their respective economies, as well as the key challenges these deals are expecting to face in the coming years.

They will also more specifically ask what action these Deals have taken to implement the recommendations in the 2020 Audit Scotland report.