A growth deal which was already set to see £44million invested in Bucks is to welcome almost £9million more – paving the way to creating an estimated 5,000 new jobs.

Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership has agreed an expansion to its Growth Deal with the Government, which it says could also see 600 new homes built and potentially generate £40million in public and private investment.

The deal is part of a long term plan by the Government to devolve at least £12billion from central government to local economies. The plan aims for every part of the country to be a motor of growth for the national economy – building on the strength of the Buckinghamshire Thames Valley area.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “Giving local communities the power and the money to unlock growth and development and make the spending decisions that work for them is a key part of our long-term economic plan to secure a brighter future for Britain and ensure a recovery for all.

“And this is happening right across Buckinghamshire, with more money announced today for key projects to boost the local economy as part of the multi-million pound expansion of the Government’s Growth Deals.

“And because the money will be in the control of a partnership of local community, business and civic leaders it means it will go on the things that really matter to people and businesses here.

“That is what Growth Deals are all about, backing local people and investing in the infrastructure, housing and skills that will drive forward local economies, create more jobs and opportunities for hardworking people and supercharge all parts of our country.”

The additional proposed projects include:

● A programme to provide access to finance to small and medium-sized businesses, so that they can grow and create new jobs;

● Extending superfast broadband across Buckinghamshire to areas of high business population;

● Improved rail links and facilities between Marlow and Maidenhead;

● Provision of business incubation and innovation centres for small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups.

Alex Pratt, chair of Buckinghamshire Thames Valley LEP, said: “BTVLEP are grateful for the Government support provided through the Round 2 Growth Deal.

“The funding will enable us to build on the significant potential of internationally recognised high growth sectors which have strong historical roots in the county. The new investment will enable many Buckinghamshire based businesses to drive new and world-class innovation for the benefit of UK PLC.”

To read the Strategic Economic Plan and Local Growth Deal executive summary please go to http://www.buckstvlep.co.uk/strategic-economic-plan