An SNP MP has warned the UK Government that Aberdonians feel “disappointed and let down” over the City Region Deal.
The party’s cities spokeswoman Alison Thewliss, who represents a Glasgow constituency, also accused the Tories of not funding the investment 50/50.
She said the Scottish Government had stumped up £379million for the deal, compared to £125million from the UK Government.
But Scottish Secretary David Mundell insisted the £250million city deal and the additional £254million investment for north-east infrastructure – pledged by the Scottish Government – were separate.
Responding to the comments made by Ms Thewliss in the Commons chamber, he told the Press and Journal: “The UK city deal is worth a quarter of a billion pounds, jointly funded by both Scotland’s governments.
“We are delighted it will not only lever in hundreds of millions of pounds in private investment but that it has also produced more from the Scottish Government for a devolved issue.”
The Glasgow Central MP raised the issue during community and local government questions yesterday.
She asked: “Can you understand why the people of Aberdeen City and shire feel disappointed and let down by this Tory government?
“This government is not providing the 50/50 basis for this deal.
“In fact the Scottish Government is contributing £379million to this deal.”
Replying in the chamber, Communities Minister James Wharton said he believed the deal would “make a real difference”.
He added: “It’s a deal that is only possible because of the contribution the British Government has made alongside the Scottish Government – working with local partners.
“It’s one that’s welcome in Aberdeen and that should be welcome on these benches rather more than it appears to be at the moment.”
Earlier, Central Ayrshire MP Philippa Whitford said the UK Government was not doing enough to support north-east.
She added: “With the Treasury having received over £300billion from North Sea revenue in the last 40 years and knowing that the current low oil price is aggravated by deliberate under pricing – including from our friends in Saudi Arabia – do you not think the UK Government should at least match the £250million given by the Scottish Government?”
Mr Wharton said most people welcomed the “significant investment” coming from the deal, adding: “It underlines that we really are better together.”