New Government-Backed Task Force Meets

A new task force aimed at securing additional funding and support for Inverclyde has met for the first time and been hailed as a ‘positive’ new development for the area.

Chairing the first meeting of the Inverclyde Socio-Economic Task Force on Monday 27 June 2022, Councillor Stephen McCabe, Leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The first meeting was very positive. The task force provides us with the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with both the Scottish and UK governments and a range of partners to bring long-term success to Inverclyde and once and for all address the socio-economic issues affecting our area.

“It is particularly pleasing to see the task force backed by both governments as a sign of how seriously they take the issues facing us and the clear need for Inverclyde to achieve ‘special case’ status to secure much-needed funding and priority.

“I am delighted that Stuart McMillan MSP has agreed to join the task force as joint chair and he will chair the next meeting to send a clear message that this group isn’t about politics. It is about action and getting Inverclyde a better deal.

“The first meeting heard a fascinating presentation from the Fraser of Allander Institute on their important examination into Inverclyde, Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire and the issues affecting our area. The findings make difficult reading but also they show that with all of the partners working towards the same goals we can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of residents and the future prosperity of our area.”

The task force was initiated from a meeting between the Inverclyde Council Leader and the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy.

This meeting was in response to the long-term socio-economic issues affecting Inverclyde, the area’s place in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and the long-term commitment from the Scottish Government that Inverclyde had cause to be considered a ‘special case’ because of these issues.

A Terms of Reference was developed which was agreed by Inverclyde Council at its meeting on 21 April 2022.

The overall aim of the task force is to stimulate the Inverclyde economy creating opportunities for businesses and residents to ensure Inverclyde is a place of choice for people to live, work and thrive.

A study was commissioned from the Fraser of Allander Institute by Inverclyde Council in partnership with neighbouring councils.

The Fraser of Allander Institute’s study ‘Supporting economic recovery in Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire & Argyll & Bute’ highlights that Inverclyde could be the most left behind local authority in not just Scotland but the whole of the UK.