THE Scottish and UK governments have “confused and cluttered” priorities for the City Deals, worth £1.1bn to the Glasgow 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.”

A spokesman for the Glasgow City Region City Deal, said: “We welcome the committee’s interest, particularly in terms of inclusive economic growth. We are constantly examining everything we do to ensure the best return on the region’s investment and tangible economic, social and environmental benefits for our communities.”