THE Secretary of State for Wales, the Right Honourable Alun Cairns MP, and the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal Joint Cabinet have affirmed their joint commitment to ensuring the £1.221B City programme for the region is delivered successfully and in full.
The vote for the UK to leave the European Union (EU) has left uncertainty over future programmes that involve EU funding, and the CCR City Deal programme comprises agreed funding of £106 million for the proposed South-East Wales Metro transport system from the EU.
The Secretary of State has met with the leaders of the CCR City Deal and they discussed potential post-Brexit scenarios.
He said: “Following the meeting, I have reaffirmed my support and commitment to the project, and work with all the partners to maximise the positive outcomes of a landmark City Deal.
“The City Deal, post Brexit, can continue to provide the springboard for Cardiff to emerge as a leading engine of growth in the UK. We have the opportunity to transform the Cardiff city region, in doing so unlocking billions of pounds of investment that can create thousands of new jobs in South Wales.
“The City Deal is a genuine partnership between the UK Government, Welsh Government and 10 local authorities in South Wales, helping the Cardiff city region to realise its full potential.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader Rhondda Cynon Taff, and Chair of the City Deal Joint Cabinet of the 10 local authorities in the region, said: “It is imperative that we work with the UK and Welsh Governments to ensure that there is no funding shortfall for such a critical programme of investment in the region.
“The Joint Cabinet is reassured by the Secretary of State’s support for the City Deal, and we look forward to working together to ensure it is delivered in full, ensuring that it has the significant economic impact on the region which we are all striving so hard to achieve.
“At this stage, it is unclear if this funding shortfall will exist, but if it does, we must and will find a solution.”
Over its lifetime, it is estimated that the City Deal could deliver as many as 25,000 new jobs, and £4 billion of private sector investment across the region.
The City Deal will help boost economic growth by improving transport links, increasing skills, helping people into work and giving businesses the support they need to grow.
Initiatives already launched as part of the City Deal include an Cardiff Capital Growth and Competitiveness Commission.
The appointed commissioners are taking expert argument that has been devised by both Cardiff University and the Centre for Cities, and the Commission will make its independent recommendations for the future economic strategy for the region in the autumn.
Enquiries to Alastair Milburn at Effective Communication on 02920 838310 or amilburn@effcom.co.uk
