Author: Pulse Assent

UK Government Minister Guto Bebb will visit Llandrindod Wells today to help open the door to a mid-Wales growth deal

He will meet leading local authority figures, business people and representatives from the agricultural sector to encourage businesses to play a role in helping to grow the Mid Wales economy.

During the visit the Minister will say that the mid-Wales economy has tremendous potential for growth.

He will say that now is a key time for businesses and local authorities to come together and work with the UK and Welsh Governments to build a mid-Wales engine that can create jobs and opportunities across the region.

From research expertise at Aberystwyth University to global success stories such as Nidec Control Techniques, the region already has much in the way of innovation, skills and technology.

The Minister will say that the UK Government wants to work with companies and groups on the ground as they develop a bespoke deal that works for the whole of mid-Wales.

Last week the UK Government announced it would welcome proposals for a mid-Wales growth deal, as part of the Budget.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Guto Bebb said:

A mid-Wales growth deal would be the catalyst to revolutionise the way our towns and villages in mid-Wales govern themselves – shifting powers down from London and Cardiff to local leaders who are better placed to take decisions that affect their communities.

The development of a Midlands Engine across the border offers a unique chance to partner and develop a growth corridor stretching all the way from Aberystwyth to the Midlands.

With the launch of our Industrial Strategy, which includes opportunities for a growth deal for mid-Wales, there has never been a better time for businesses, local authorities and the agriculture sector to seize the opportunity to come together and build a strong vision for mid-Wales.

Powys County Council Leader Rosemarie Harris said:

Growth deals have the potential to re-shape the economic development of a region so I welcome the commitment for a growth deal for mid-Wales.

Any growth deal for mid-Wales could improve the transport infrastructure, digital connectivity and help to develop new job opportunities for the region. This would be of huge benefit to Powys and to Wales as a whole. We want to develop a thriving economy in Powys and a growth deal for Mid Wales will help us to achieve that.

Rebecca Williams, Director for Wales, Country Land and Business Association added:

We are pleased to welcome the Minister to the CLA meeting to hear his ideas on a mid-Wales growth deal. It is essential that this region is not left behind in terms of economic growth and the value and importance of the rural economy in this region is recognised and supported.

ENDS

• The reserved powers model provides a clear boundary between reserved and devolved matters
• Welsh devolution will be strengthened through further powers for the Assembly and Welsh Ministers
• The new model will come into force on 1 April 2018

On 1 April 2018, a new reserved powers model of devolution in Wales will come into force, putting more decisions into the hands of Welsh Ministers, giving them important new levers to grow the Welsh economy and to deliver better public services across Wales.

The new model places Welsh devolution on a firmer foundation, making clear what is devolved, and the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales, and what is reserved – and the responsibility of Parliament.

The regulations also bring into force many of the further powers being devolved to the Assembly and Welsh Ministers under the Wales Act 2017, including powers over elections, transport and the environment. Most of these powers will also come into force on 1 April 2018.

The announcement comes a week after the Chancellor’s budget where he set out plans to increase the Welsh Government’s budget by £1.2 billion and build an economy that is fit for the future.

The new reserved model will take effect at the same time as the new devolved Welsh taxes, and before the Assembly and Welsh Ministers take responsibility for a portion of income tax.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

The reserved powers model marks a significant step forward in Welsh devolution and implements the clearer devolution settlement provided in the Wales Act.

The additional powers for the Assembly and Welsh Ministers will strengthen Welsh devolution and set it on a clear course for the future.

The Welsh Government now needs to be innovative with the opportunities these new powers provide and deliver the improvements in devolved services that the people of Wales deserve.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Some parts of the Wales Act 2017 are already in force, including provisions that:

• reaffirm the government’s commitment to the permanence of the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government;
• remove the requirement for a referendum before the devolution of income tax to Wales; and
• double (to £1 billion) the amount Welsh Ministers can borrow to fund capital expenditure.

Earlier this month, the UK Government and Welsh Government introduced a water protocol for England and Wales which will safeguard water resources, water supply and water quality for consumers on both sides of the border