Budget Boost for Mid Wales Growth Deal
The Chancellor’s Budget commitment to kick start discussions on a growth deal for Mid Wales has been welcomed by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group and Mid Wales AM, Russell George.
The Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, welcomed the Chancellor’s proposal contained in yesterday’s Autumn Budget (22nd November 2017).
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I am delighted that the Chancellor has made a commitment to a Mid Wales Growth Deal. I’m hopeful that the Welsh Government will now follow the Chancellor’s lead with a similar commitment in the near future. We need close collaboration from both the Welsh and UK Governments if a Mid Wales Growth Deal is to become a reality.
“This is something which I have been calling for over many months. The National Assembly’s Economy Committee, which I’m privileged to Chair, has recently made recommendations to the Welsh Government that a Mid Wales Growth Deal would have the potential to transform the economic fortunes of the region. I'm therefore delighted that the issue has now been given national prominence by the UK Government.
Mid Wales Manufacturing Group recently gave evidence at the National Assembly’s Economy Committee and has been working with Powys & Ceredigion Councils and other public and private sector representatives on the Growing Mid Wales Partnership looking at an Economic Framework for the region.
“As a result, all of these regions will see money invested in better transport links, better broadband connectivity as well as other programmes designed to boost innovation, create employment and raise living standards. Mid Wales deserves the same kind of investment.
“Earlier this month, I met with representatives of Station Couriers as well as Ceri Stephens from the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group and Nick Evans who chairs Powys FSB to discuss the prospect for a Mid Wales Growth Deal and to gain their thoughts on how it should work so that it benefits Mid Wales businesses.
“A Mid Wales Deal would complete the jigsaw for an ambitious economic vision for the region which would integrate Mid Wales into the wider Midlands economic engine.”
Mid Wales Am Russell George, Sian Jenkins, Station Copuriers and Ceri Stephens, MWMG
Cllr. Aled Davies, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, added:
“The Chancellor’s announcement could be a real game changer for Mid Wales and I’m grateful to the Secretary of State for Wales for fighting Mid Wales’ corner and securing this commitment in the Budget.
“Here in Powys, we believe that a Mid Wales Growth Deal has the potential to re-shape the economic development of the region - improving transport infrastructure, digital connectivity and help to develop new job opportunities for the people of Powys.
“I and my Cabinet colleagues will do everything we can to ensure that a Mid Wales Growth Deal happens and we will work with the UK Government, Welsh Government and the business sector to make this a reality.”