Inverness has joined with other Scottish cities in calling for new powers – including more say over tax.
The leaders of Scotland’s seven cities have said that a fundamental shake-up in the relationship between councils and government is needed to allow them to compete with their English counterparts and further afield.
In a report “Empowering City Government” commissioned by the cities, council call for greater powers on tax, spending and the development of major infrastructure projects.
They have also called for a new cross-city partnership involving national agencies such as Transport Scotland to share in policy decision-making.
Highland Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson, said: “By working together with the other cities in Scotland, Inverness will have a stronger voice in securing new powers to drive the economy forward both in the city and the wider Highland region.
“We want a seat at the top table in the policy development and delivery of new welfare powers, as well as more responsibility for developing future polices around devolved health and social care for our communities.”
The city leaders are now urging both the Scottish and UK governments to meet with them to discuss the proposals.
Councillor Andrew Burns, leader of The City of Edinburgh Council and chairman of the Scottish Cities Alliance, said: “Scotland’s seven cities are committed to driving forward economic growth, so we can continue to promote ourselves on the international stage as attractive, modern places to invest and do carry out business with.
“The important research we have commissioned suggests that a new partnership is required if we are to reach our economic potential and meet the significant challenges that lie ahead.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “We agree with civic leaders that Scotland’s cities are hugely important in driving economic growth and prosperity for the whole country, and we want to work closely with them to ensure they are properly equipped to compete internationally.
“We have already committed more than three-quarters of a billion pounds on city region deals, and are working on delivering more.
“Ministers are firmly committed to delivering more powers for local communities, and have also indicated that assigning a share of income tax to councils can be an incentive to grow their local economies.”
