THE Scottish and UK governments have “confused and cluttered” priorities for the City Deals, worth £1.1bn to the area, according to a new report.

Both governments put in half a billion pounds each to the Glasgow City Deal, the first in Scotland, in 2014 just before the independence referendum. But a report by the Scottish Parliament Local Government Committee has found they have different objectives.

The UK wants the cash to bring about measurable economic growth or Gross Value Added in return for their investment.

Meanwhile the Scottish Government wants inclusive growth, for projects to bring benefits to communities.

Glasgow City Council, whose leader Susan Aitken chairs the City Region Cabinet, responsible for the City Deal, wants to see projects that have an impact on people in communities and their lives.

The Glasgow City Deal projects are being reviewed under this objective and she has said that if they are not delivering, then politicians need to be brave enough to reform or stop a project.

The City Deal includes the Glasgow Airport Access Project and a Bridge over the River Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker.

Spending on developing the airport link is currently suspended until issues that affect the rest of the rail network and capacity at Central Station are resolved.

In the report, the committee said: “In our view, there is a danger that the often confused and cluttered policy landscape at local government, Scottish and UK levels runs the risk of reducing the impact that can be achieved from the deals. At present, there are too many overlapping and competing initiatives and a mismatch between the objectives of local government and of the two governments.”

It added: “Further clarification is required as to whether the focus should be on pure economic growth or inclusive growth.”

The MSPs on the committee were concerned that despite efforts to engage with communities the processes were still too “top down”.

Bob Doris, committee convenor and Maryhill and Springburn SNP MSP, said: “It’s clear from the evidence we have heard and our Committee visits that there are significant issues with City Region Deals that must be addressed.

“That’s why we strongly recommend that all governments – national and local – work together and agree to a single focus, as a key priority should be maximising the benefits for local communities.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Glasgow City Region City Deal projects in Renfrewshire have been shaped by local communities. Extensive consultation has shown significant support for our projects, which will unlock the area’s economic potential, improve connectivity and create new job opportunities. Each project will ensure inclusive growth across the city region through a range of job opportunities, enhanced travel options and by attracting affordable housing.

“Our projects are on track to deliver benefits, with thousands of jobs to be created in the heart of Renfrewshire through the new National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland, which will be the first tenant of the 120-acre Glasgow Airport Investment Area, with construction to start later this year.

“The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will regenerate the Clyde Waterfront and improve connections for local communities. It is a unique infrastructure project which straddles across three local authorities and the planning application will be determined by Scottish Government Ministers.

“In partnership with Glasgow City Council, all parties remain committed to a surface access project to Glasgow Airport, funded from the City Deal. At its last meeting, the City Region Cabinet agreed to take the appropriate time to consider a report from consultants Jacobs and ensure the project is able to lever the economic, social and environmental benefits that it has the potential to deliver.”