Politician calls for progress on growth deal
Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George has called for more progress to be made on the Mid Wales Growth Deal in 2019.
The idea of a deal for Mid Wales, which would bring billions of pounds into the local economy, has been talked about for well over a year.
It would give Mid Wales the same advantages that the south and north of Wales currently enjoy.
Mr George said: "I will be hosting a Growing Mid Wales Trade Delegation at the Senedd at the end of this month to showcase the produce and services from businesses in Powys and Ceredigion and to continue to make the case for a Mid Wales Growth Deal with the Welsh Government.
"I would urge businesses from the region to attend, and this is possible by contacting either myself, Powys or Ceredigion County Councils.
Input
"My hope for 2019 is that we will see a firm case being provided to the UK and Welsh Governments by Powys and Ceredigion County Councils, underpinned by input from our local businesses, with confirmation of funding for a Mid Wales Growth Deal.
"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 and that this investment in our region will start bearing fruit in terms of regional economic development in Mid Wales next year."
Pledge
The UK Government has already pledged to back the deal, but it unsure how it will do that just yet.
Mr George added: "There was still a huge variation in economic performance between the different regions of Wales and in 2019, I would like to see this regional economic inequality begin to narrow.
"The £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region Deal is already investing £38 million in a world-leading technology cluster in Newport, to create more than 2,000 jobs, while the eleven projects underpinning the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Region City Deal are being developed to drive growth across that region, boost innovation, create employment and raise living standards.
"Last month, the UK and Welsh Government both confirmed that they will put in £120 million for the North Wales Growth Deal but I want the Welsh Government to do more to support Wales' growth deals going forward."
