The Regional Prosperity Framework is a draft plan for building the economy of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region, It looks at everything from transport & housing to education & digital inclusion; to economic development & climate change. Views are now sought from around the Region to inform the further development of the plan.

The consultation is relevant to individuals, businesses and other organisations, professional bodies and charities. The Regional Prosperity Framework will inform future policy creation across a range of organisations – all aimed at ensuring the region is as resilient as possible going forward, despite current challenges, and has the right infrastructure in place to be a key contributor to the economy of Scotland.

Claire Pattullo Chair of the Regional Enterprise Council, said:  

This is a hugely important piece of work, particularly as we move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and are still assessing the effects of Brexit. The draft has been created to stimulate debate and invite comments to help shape a finalised framework. This will be a document that sets out long-term aspirations for the region and informs policy development for the next 20 years.

It has been developed with input from public, private and third sector organisations and aims to address the region’s challenges and opportunities to make Edinburgh and South East Scotland a better place to live, work, study, visit and invest for current and future generations.

Cllr Ross Chair of the City Region Deal Joint Committee, said:

Although it covers a lot of important topics, the consultation has been broken down into sections with guided questions to make it as easy as possible for everyone to give us their thoughts and views on whatever aspects are relevant to them.

The draft strategy has a strong focus on addressing the challenges of climate change, sustainability, biodiversity loss, inequalities, health and well-being, and the need to create new jobs and businesses while enabling a transition to a net zero economy. In a rapidly changing environment it’s also important that the plan is adaptable, so it will be subject to regular review and update over its lifetime.

Key themes are:

• FLOURISHING economy, environment & ecology, households & places
• RESILIENT workforce, climate responses, infrastructure & buildings
• INNOVATIVE Private Sector, Third Sector (including Further & Higher Education) Public Sector

The consultation is launched today, Monday 14^th June, and is available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/ESESRegionalProsperity

The closing date for responses is Monday 26^th July.