Mike Hedges welcomes commitment from First Minister, Carwyn Jones, that Swansea will receive Welsh Government support in the same way the Cardiff City deal was supported.

Mike Hedges AM welcomed the news that Swansea will be treated exactly the same as Cardiff when it comes to city region funding. First Minister, Carwyn Jones confirmed that in response to a question put to the First Minister on Tuesday 11^th June.

Mike said, ‘ I welcome this news; it is important and reassuring news that Swansea will get equal treatment. The City Deal is such an important programme for the future of the Swansea Bay area, that equal treatment is vital for the successful delivery of the 11 projects within the program.’

The Swansea Bay City Region

14:07

MikeHedges

5. Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government’s support for the Swansea Bay city region?

14:07

Carwyn Jones

The First Minister

Well, we are working with local partners to support business growth, to improve infrastructure, and to create a more attractive economic environment across the region.

14:07

MikeHedges

Can I thank the First Minister for that response? The first supplementary budget provides an extra £20 million for the Cardiff city region. Will the Swansea bay city region get the same financial support from the Welsh Government when it needs it?

14:07

Carwyn Jones

The First Minister

Yes. The Swansea city deal is structured around 11 major project proposals. There is a process set out that triggers the money going to Swansea in the same way as Cardiff. It’s not identical, but the Welsh and UK Governments have committed to jointly invest, subject to the submission and approval of full business cases in relation to the 11 identified projects and the agreement of governance arrangements for the deal, a sum of up to £241 million on specific interventions.