A lucrative City Deal to pump £2bn into Edinburgh and south east Scotland could give councils more flexible powers including the authority to enforce a so-called "tourist tax".

It is expected any money generated from the visitor levy would be ploughed into culture and tourism.

At least £1.5bn will be put towards a raft of projects over the next decade if it is approved.

Talks about the deal, which would incorporate Edinburgh, Fife, Midlothian, West Lothian, East Lothian and the Borders, have "regained momentum" in recent months.

Edinburgh City Council leader Andrew Burns said he was "optimistic" the blueprint, supported by the UK and Scottish Governments, would be signed off in March.

A report to go before councillors next week outlines potential City Deal projects, with particular focus on housing and infrastructure.

The deal will aim to "rebalance the housing market", while the creation of a Regional Land Commission could help streamline major planning decisions.

The plan, which is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK, will aim to encourage investment across the region, tackle congestion and encourage major projects at universities.

The deal could come into force as early as April 2018, with investment staggered over a ten-year period.