Fay Jones MP, Welsh Conservative Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire and Cllr James Evans, Welsh Conservative Candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire in the 2021 Senedd Elections, have welcomed today’s signing of the Mid Wales Growth Deal.
The Mid Wales Growth Deal has today seen its Heads of Terms signed by both the UK and Welsh governments, as well as Powys and Ceredigion local authorities. The deal will see £110 million of investment pumped into the region, with both the UK and Welsh governments each investing £55 million.
The partners in the deal will now move on to identifying specific projects to benefit from investment, with 8 strategic growth areas identified. These are:
- Applied Research & Innovation
- Agriculture, Food & Drink
- Energy
- Digital Connectivity
- Transport
- Strengthened Tourism Identity
- Business Support
- Skills & Employment
Welcoming the signing of the Mid Wales Growth Deal, Fay Jones MP said:
“The delivery of the Mid Wales Growth Deal today, represents a fantastic day for Brecon and Radnorshire and mid Wales as a whole.
“The Mid Wales Growth Deal was a Conservative manifesto pledge and has been over three years in the making. I am delighted that the UK Government has delivered £55 million of investment in the region, and I am hopeful this will bring growth and opportunities to Brecon and Radnorshire.
“While both the UK and Welsh governments have had to deal with an enormous amount of pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic, I am pleased that commitment from all sides has ensured the Heads of Terms was signed today. I would like to thank the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, the Minister for Wales David TC Davies, the Welsh Government, Powys County Council and Ceredigion County Council for their hard work.
Cllr James Evans, Welsh Conservative Candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire in the 2021 Senedd Election said:
“I am so pleased that the Heads of Terms have been signed for the Mid Wales Growth Deal.
“When I was Cabinet Member, I worked extremely hard to get the £55 million pounds committed from UK Government and this is much needed investment for our area.
“The Growth Deal will help grow the economy of mid Wales and help build the vital infrastructure that we need for our businesses and communities to thrive.
“I look forward to working with both UK and Welsh governments to deliver this vital Growth Deal and bring much needed investment in our area.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP said:
“Today marks a really important step forward for Mid Wales. In a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, I think people could be forgiven for wondering whether such agreements would stand the test of time. But the UK Government have always been intent on delivering this deal and have today signed off £55million, which we are happy to see will be matched by the Welsh Government. This represents a hugely significant amount of money for Mid Wales which will be used on areas such as digital infrastructure, transport, agriculture, tourism – all areas which are of huge importance to Mid Wales and will matter even more as we emerge the other side of this pandemic.
“I am very pleased by the positive collaboration between not just the UK and Welsh Governments, but also MPs, MSs and County Councillors. Today represents the moment where we can say that the Mid Wales Growth Deal is actually going to be delivered.”