Regional Prosperity Framework

The RPF had been amended to reflect the submissions received following a public consultation exercise earlier this year. It is a non-statutory public statement of joint economic vision, ambition and priorities for South East Scotland – the first of its kind for this region.

When preparing the draft framework, partner agencies took into account plans and strategies and future ambitions, including the projects and programmes of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. Going forward, partners will seek to ensure that future national, regional and local plans and strategies take account of the RPF as they are developed.

East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development, John McMillan, said: “This is a hugely important piece of work as it provides a framework for the economic growth of the South East Scotland region, of which East Lothian is a key part. East Lothian Council and our partner authorities and agencies will use this framework to inform the development of future plans and strategies.

“Growing our economy has never been more important as we feel the effects of the UK’s exit from the European Union and the huge impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also important as a piece of partnership work as to successfully grow East Lothian’s economy, we must work together with other agencies and neighbouring authorities.

“What the framework shows very clearly is that to have a healthy, thriving economy we must also focus on other important elements such as reducing our carbon footprint, improving access to quality health and social care and building strong communities and a skilled workforce, with affordable housing and sustainable transport options an essential part of that.”

The next steps, following ratification of the RPF, is a partnership action plan which will set out how the aims of the RPF will be achieved, and the production of a prospectus version of the RPF which will showcase the region as a great location for investment.