The Economy of Mid Wales

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:06 pm on 3 November 2021.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 2:06, 3 November 2021

Well, I can see why the canal project that's been supported in the UK Government's budget announcement is good news for people living in that area, and we are working constructively with the two local authorities—Ceredigion and Powys—and the UK Government on the mid Wales growth deal. But it just doesn't get away from the reality that the £120 million announced for 10 projects is skewed towards Conservative UK constituencies. It does not match any realistic definition of need and levelling up. And the money—[Interruption.] The money that you referred to in one particular project does not—[Interruption.]—does not equal the money that we were promised. The £375 million that Wales was due to be getting—even if all of that money is spent within this one year, the £120 million, it is over £0.25 billion short. And I know the Member wants me to welcome the £0.25 billion cut that his Government has actually imposed, and more cuts to come in years to come, but I believe Wales should be treated with more respect. I believe that Conservatives in this place should decide will they stand up for Wales, will they stand up for the money that has been lost, that has been taken away by their Chancellor, or will they simply be the advertising agency of the UK Government while it takes money away from Wales.