Welcoming the release of a report by the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills National Assembly Committee today, Councillor Rob Stewart (Swansea), WLGA Spokesperson on Economic Development, Europe and Energy said:

“I am pleased that the conclusions of the committee are very similar to the WLGA’s own thinking. In particular, we welcome the committee’s support for the principle of devolving appropriate powers to the regional bodies driving economic development across Wales. We also welcome the committee’s support for the North Wales Growth Deal and the idea of a Growth Deal for Mid Wales. Our Rural Forum is already looking at the footprint for a Rural Deal that would help to address the urban focus of City Deals. 

“We also welcome the recognition by the chair of the committee that there is some evidence of collaboration between Welsh regions. This is something that the WLGA is particularly keen to ensure and is already providing assistance in terms of national coordination of regional economic development activity. We look forward to continuing this role, working closely with the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates AM as he adopts a regional approach to the delivery of his new Economic Action Plan for Wales. We also look forward to continuing to work with the Welsh Government to inform their approach to regional policy and funding in light of Brexit”.