SEZ – Aberdeen and North East
Two councils, Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire council form the Special Economic Zone for the North east along with ONE – Opportunity North East.
Both councils contribute to the investment zone alomg with Uk and Scottish governments.
Tax incentives and lower tariffs.
Taxpayers money beng used to help finance the investment zone but as yet unclear what return the council can anticipate for their “investment”
Aberdeen city council – investment zone decision – joint committee – February 2025
Aberdeenshire council to act as accountable body
Investment zone programme board – Aberdeen city council, Aberdeenshire council, Opportunity North East, University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, Scottish Enterprise, and ETZ – Energy Transition Zone Limited
Aberdeenshire council – report – North East of Scotland investment zone update April – 2025
Aberdeen city council – Investment zone – May 2025
Special economic Zones zones – advantages
Are strategically established to boost economic development through innovative regulations, enticing tax perks, and robust support systems that enhance international commerce. Similar to the rules in freeports.
But what benefit to the local economy? What safeguards? What accountability?
Will they deliver on their promises of economic regeneration, particularly in post Brexit Britain?
Previous experience with big projects like this suggest not. They can benefit thee people if correctly controlled and organised. However, people’s trust in government is low, and the people must hold our elected representatives to account.
We are raising the awareness of everyone in Scotland to the potential risks and consequences of each government regime being introduced right across the United Kingdom. They are surrounded in secrecy
