Time for firm financial commitment on city region from UK Government

The UK Government should match the Welsh Government’s financial commitment to the South East Wales city region following the Chancellor’s visit to Wales to promote the ‘city deal’. Welsh Government has already committed nearly £600million to the project, with an additional £120 million put forward by ten local authorities in South East Wales.

It’s all very well for the Chancellor to arrive in Cardiff to talk up a city deal, but unless the Treasury makes a firm financial commitment to the South East Wales City Region, it’s just empty rhetoric.

The Welsh Government has made a commitment to the South East Wales city region including the significant financial boost for improved infrastructure in and around Newport. Superfast Cymru Broadband and the Metro project – which includes welcome plans for improved transport links to Malpas, Celtic Springs, Pye Corner and Rogerstone – are being driven forward by the Welsh Labour Government. It’s time for the UK Government to get on board and put its money where its mouth is.