AM to scrutinise pace of local Growth Deal

The pace of the Mid Wales Growth Deal needs to increase, according to Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.

The AM said the Growth Deal was a great opportunity for economic prosperity in the region, including bringing benefits to Newtown.

But he said he wanted the pace of action on it to increase.

He said: "I have been a long-time advocate of pushing for a Mid Wales Growth Deal and I’m pleased that the Welsh and UK Governments are currently working with both Powys and Ceredigion county councils to develop such a deal.

"This followed a recommendation from the National Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, which I Chair.

"The pace is not moving as I would want it to at present and I’m looking forward to scrutinising both Powys and Ceredigion county councils when they appear before the Committee in January to provide an update on progress."

He added: "The current position is that both Powys and Ceredigion County Councils are currently producing a ‘proposition document’ to articulate our regional vision.

"The areas of work which the two local authorities are focusing on are Advanced Research & Innovation, Energy, Tourism, Food, Skills, Connectivity (Transport & Digital Infrastructure) and support for business in terms of sites & premises."