John Swinney has announced plans to give more powers to Glasgow city region.
The First Minister said he will bring forward a law in the next Parliament to allow regions to seek legal status that will allow councils greater power to work together to tackle local issues.
Glasgow City Region currently sees the council, together with neighbouring authorities, collaborate on issues and spend City Deal cash in infrastructure and employment projects.
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The council has called for the ability do more through devolution of powers from Holyrood.
Susan Aitken, leader of the council, addressed comments to the First Minister at the State of the City Economy conference in Glasgow, where she asked to work together on ensuring Glasgow can deliver growth that will benefit not only the city but Scotland as a whole.
She told the conference: “Our pitch to national governments is clear. Release the brakes holding the city region's potential back, and in return, we'll unlock the most compelling opportunity in these islands for inclusive economic growth and transformation of place.
“From the Scottish Government, that's about devolving to us the policy levers and accompanying finance that's already in the system that will help generate the successes we know the Glasgow city region has the potential to deliver.
“And for the UK government, it's an expectation of parity of capital resource with the other metropolitan regions correctly recognised as engine rooms of the UK economy.”
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Swinney responded to the call in his speech, with a commitment to act.
He said: "We will introduce enabling legislation in the next Parliament to allow regional partnerships to seek legal status, unlock new powers and design delivery models tailored to new priorities.
"I want our regional partnerships, like Glasgow City Region to have the opportunity to expand their strategic capacities and role, with a package of additional devolved competencies over time.
"On the table, powers such as skills, economic development and planning."
Swinney said regions like Glasgow should have the powers needed to support progress in projects like Clyde Metro.
He added: "Glasgow's leadership has shown what is possible. Now we must build on that momentum and extend it to every part of the country."
Following the announcement, Susan Aitken, said: “Glasgow City Region is already one of the UK’s biggest collaborative success stories – but we need the backing of both our governments to truly empower us to unlock its extraordinary potential.
“I’m delighted that the First Minister has today recognised our region holds the country’s most compelling opportunity for inclusive economic growth, equity, innovation and transformation.
“His commitment puts the devolution of powers and resources to Scotland’s communities firmly on the national agenda – and Glasgow City Region is more than ready to lead the way.”
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