Re-affirming UK Government commitments to grow the Mid Wales economy
On Monday, 22nd July at the Royal Welsh Showground, Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Wales Office, met with Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council, and Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, to discuss progress being made to grow the Mid Wales economy.
Ceredigion and Powys Councils have been working in partnership across the public, third and private sectors to pursue strategic economic growth as part of Growing Mid Wales. Partners have collaborated on a range of activities as part of the Vision for Growing Mid Wales, utilising UK Government funding alongside Welsh Government for maximum impact and leverage to create jobs and growth.
The Minister heard about the work being undertaken in Mid Wales that is supported through UK Government funding, in particular:
• Mid Wales Growth Deal: a long-term investment of £110m from UK and Welsh Governments that leverages significant additional investment. The Minister received updates on both the Sites & Premises and Digital Programmes as well as the nine projects that are currently progressing for funding.
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund: a £42.4m investment in Mid Wales supporting communities and businesses to prosper and grow. The Minister received updates on current progress and timescales.
There was also an opportunity to discuss the work ongoing in Mid Wales around Energy, Transport and Skills – and the importance of joint partnership working across Government and economic sectors in a rural economy such as that of Mid Wales, where collaboration is essential to address the unique challenges and leverage the region's strengths for sustainable development and growth.
In a joint statement, Councillor James Gibson-Watt and Councillor Bryan Davies said, “We were pleased to meet the new Minister today and talk about how we unlock the economic potential of Mid Wales. We have a strategy and vision for achieving growth with our key partners. It is vitally important that we continue to work hand in glove with both the UK and Welsh Government to foster collaboration between public and private sectors, working as one team – to boost productivity and drive long-term and sustainable economic growth.”
Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP also highlighted the importance of partnership working and the work ongoing in the region. She said: “I was delighted to meet key individuals involved with the Mid Wales Growth Deal. The UK Government is committed to economic growth and we can only do this by working in partnerships, exemplified by the work being undertaken here. By investing in key infrastructure and fostering these partnerships between government and the private sector, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous future for Mid Wales.”
The Royal Welsh Show provided a fitting backdrop for this important discussion, underscoring the vital connection between developments in several economic sectors within a rural economy. From land and agriculture, agri-tech, energy, food & tourism – there remains a strong need for sustained investment in underpinning infrastructure and skills to support the vision for Growing Mid Wales.
For those interested in staying updated on the latest developments with the work of Growing Mid Wales, sign up for our monthly newsletter by emailing growingmidwales@ceredigion.gov.uk.
