Borderlands Growth Deal

John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)
5. What steps he is taking to deliver the borderlands growth deal.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mel Stride)
In his spring statement, the Chancellor announced the provision of up to £260 million for the borderlands growth deal, which will take the total investment to £345 million.

John Lamont
Extending the borders railway to Hawick, Newcastleton and on to Carlisle would bring economic prosperity and jobs to the Scottish borders and the wider borderlands area. Will the Minister join me in asking for some of that £260 million to be spent on a feasibility study?

Mel Stride
I can certainly confirm that the Department for Transport will be considering a feasibility study on the extension of the borders railway.

Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)
Has the Minister looked at anything to do with local transport in Scotland? Has he looked at the shambles of ScotRail, and the shambles of local communities that have been left isolated?

Mel Stride
We are totally committed to supporting infrastructure in Scotland. That is why we have announced £1.3 billion to support eight city growth deals that will promote economic growth, prosperity and jobs in Scotland.

Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)
10.  Perth city centre is just outside my constituency, but it is nevertheless a cultural and commercial hub for many of my constituents. Is my right hon. Friend considering further funding applications for the city centre and the rural areas of Perth and Kinross?

Mel Stride
Regeneration is of course a devolved matter, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government will be supporting Perth via a £150 million commitment to the Tay cities deal.