Budget boost for Mid Wales

Mid Wales has received an economic shot-in-the-arm after Chancellor Philip Hammond name checked a Growth Deal for the region in his budget speech.

During the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Hammond (pictured) set out plans to build a Welsh economy that is fit for the future. As part of his speech, the Chancellor announced that the UK government is open to proposals for a Mid Wales Growth Deal.

The news has been welcomed by prominent civic figures with the Leader of Powys County Council saying it could “re-shape the economic development of the region”.

Cllr Rosemarie Harris said: “Growth deals have the potential to re-shape the economic development of a region so I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to 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. 

“With Cardiff and Swansea having their city deals in place while North Wales are closer to having a growth deal, it is only fair that Mid Wales has the same kind of commitment and investment.

“We will do everything we can to ensure that this happens for Mid Wales and will work with the UK Government, Welsh Government and the business sector to make this a reality.”

Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, was also pleased after publicly calling for such a growth deal earlier this month. 

“I am delighted the Chancellor has made a commitment to a Mid Wales Growth Deal. I’m hopeful that the Welsh Government will follow with a commitment also in the coming weeks. We need both the Welsh and the UK Governments working together on this.

“This is something which I have been calling for over many months and I'm pleased that the issue has now been given national prominence.”