Dundee is at risk of losing millions of pounds of vital Government aid for industry, a top council officer has warned.
City development director Mike Galloway says proposed changes in European rules could harm efforts to bring investment and jobs to the waterfront and port. And he thinks Dundee risks being wiped off the assisted areas map.
Even if it is still included, regional aid which has in the past supported large companies such as Michelin and Tesco could be banned.
The importance of the aid is shown by official figures for 2007 to 2013. A total of £17.9 million was awarded to 40 companies, supporting the creation of more than 1,400 jobs and safeguarding another 240.
Mr Galloway has written to the European Commission to plead the city’s case and call for a change of heart.
He said: “Large companies have been responsible for the majority of jobs safeguarded or secured through regional selective assistance over the last seven years.
“This restriction would remove a means of incentivising large companies to invest in Dundee during a period when the city will be seeking to maximise investment in its waterfront and port.”
Most of Dundee is on the assisted areas map, enabling regional aid to be given by the Scottish Government to firms considering locating to or investing in the city.
A new map covering 2014 to 2021 is being drawn up by the commission and Dundee and Angus will be considered for inclusion together.
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