Aileen Campbell MSP: New Phase of Improvement Districts an “Exciting Prospect”

Aileen Campbell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, has described the new phase of Improvement Districts in Scotland as an “exciting prospect”.

Speaking at the launch of the national support hub for Scotland’s Improvement Districts on 20 September, she described the new Improvement Districts as “a wider corporate, community and partnership model, which can deliver better economic and social solutions”.

Recognising the success and impact that BIDs have had in Scotland since their launch in 2007, Ms Campbell stated that in changing circumstances “there is huge potential to be even more innovative and flexible, to pool and share resources event more widely with public, private and third sector partners, and to drive even more ambitious approaches to revitalising places through partnerships which ensure everyone can contribute to, and benefit from, local inclusive economic growth”.

The Cabinet Secretary added that she was “delighted” that through Scotland’s Improvement Districts, Scotland’s Towns Partnership would be providing a new national support service, which will include strategic guidance, training, practical support, and the development of strong local and national partnerships.

The full audio of the speech can be listened to here [9 mins 20 secs].

Photo: Scotland’s Improvement Districts