Backing for Mid Wales growth deal
The Welsh Government has backed a future growth deal for Mid Wales after it received the backing from the Chancellor in the autumn Budget.
Russell George, assembly member for Montgomeryshire has long been pushing for a deal to increase business and the economy in Mid Wales, and bring it up to speed with the rest of the country. Now the Welsh Government has agreed to back proposals for a deal, following recommendations from inquiry into City Deals and the Regional Economies of Wales.The Welsh Government has now ‘accepted in principle’ the committee recommendation which called on it to engage with a wide cross section of communities between the Valleys and the A55 corridor, and along Wales’ west coast, to decide which practical measure should be included in a Mid Wales Growth Deal.
Despite the commitment, Mr George believes it should be more than just ‘accepted in principle’. He said: “Following the Chancellor’s support for a Growth Deal in November’s Budget, I am pleased that the Welsh Government has followed suit by cautiously welcoming the recommendation that a Mid Wales Growth Deal is established to stimulate economic growth in Mid Wales.
“However, I am disappointed that the Welsh Government felt that it could only accept the recommendation in principle and it will be important to understand the reasoning behind their reservations.”
“It will also be essential for the region, through the Growing Mid Wales Partnership to make a strong case for a Growth Deal to both the UK and Welsh Governments to persuade them of the benefits a regional deal could have for Mid Wales.”
Mr George believes that the billions of pounds invested in the north and south should also be available for the centre of Wales.
He also believes it would benefit the Midlands through the direct link to Mid Wales.
He added: “New regional deals in Cardiff, Swansea and North Wales will deliver billions of pounds worth of investment and will see better transport links, better broadband connectivity and other programmes to boost innovation, create employment and raise living standards.
“I firmly believe that Mid Wales deserves the same kind of investment to transform our economic fortunes and integrate Mid Wales into the wider Midlands economic engine.”
