EFFORTS are being made to make sure some £34million of combined City Deal funding can be well spent in Clackmannanshire.

Aimed at maximising investment and economic growth, two panels are being set up to make sure the cash flows to the right places in the coming years.

The Clackmannanshire Commission was agreed at last week’s full council meeting, while MP Luke Graham also launched the Clackmannanshire Investment Forum – both off the back of the funding commitments made by the Scottish and UK governments as part of the deal for the wider region.

The long-awaited heads of terms agreement for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal was signed at the Engine Shed last month

MP Graham’s initiative will invite council representatives and political leaders, civic groups, businesses and civil servants from both governments to meet quarterly to ensure all partners work closely on spending £8m of UK Government money on capital projects.

The commission will be an advisory board, developing projects for recommendation to the council and the joint City Deal Board relating to the same pot of money as well as a further £26.1m of regional investment from the Scottish Government.

The latter pot combines funding opportunities in the areas of culture and tourism, skills and inclusion, transport as well as the digital sector.

Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of the SNP administration at the council, tabled a late amendment to make sure the commission can be agreed on at the first opportunity, while her counterparts in Stirling did the same for their area.

She said: "The role of the board will be to develop projects for recommendation to council and the joint City Deal board in relation to the £8m Clackmannanshire Fund from the UK Government and the £26.1m funding stream the Scottish Government has made available.

"The commission will act as champions and ambassadors for Clackmannanshire within the context of the wider City Deal.”

Mr Graham launched his forum at a breakfast with the Federation of Small Businesses at Gean House.

He said that while signing off the initial deal was an important step, and added: "It was clear to me that there was still more that could and should be done to bring investment into Clackmannanshire."

The Conservative representative went on to say: “I was therefore pleased to negotiate this additional £8m of funding from the Scotland Office and Treasury.

“This is an exciting and important opportunity for Clacks and I'm determined we find ways to take full advantage.

“Since being elected I have built up a good working relationship with both key UK Government departments. It is crucial that we maintain that relationship for the benefit of Clackmannanshire.

“I look forward to chairing the Clackmannanshire investment group to achieve that aim.”