Legislation to create a new agency to address economic issues in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway was passed today.
Welcoming the passing of the South of Scotland Enterprise Bill in Parliament, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
“This is a momentous day which I’m sure will usher in a new era for the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. We have been given the green light to press ahead with ambitious plans to create an enterprise agency that is tailored specifically to capitalise on the tremendous untapped potential in the area, driving inclusive and sustainable growth whilst taking into account the area’s distinct economic circumstances.
“Importantly the new agency will be an exemplar in delivering real progress on fair work practices, tackling issues like the gender pay gap and ageism in the workplace, as well as promoting the Living Wage.
“The Scottish Government is committed to developing the region’s economy and I’m confident that South of Scotland Enterprise will help us achieve a fresh and different approach to deliver growth.”
The South of Scotland Enterprise Bill was introduced to Parliament on 25 October 2018. This will create a new non-departmental public body called South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), which will operate in the local authority areas of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.
The new statutory body will begin its formal legislative operation from 1 April 2020.
