“Not a penny less, not a power lost” – Welsh Labour’s Brexit Minister, Jeremy Miles, has reminded the Conservative UK Government of their promise to Wales following exiting the EU.
With existing EU funding – worth £375 million each year – tailing off, the Welsh Labour Government has been working closely with partners in Wales to prepare new arrangements for future regional investment.
Our new proposals are to support growth and inclusiveness throughout Wales, with four priority investment areas:
- business productivity and competitiveness
- reducing income inequalities for people
- healthier and more sustainable communities
- the zero-carbon economy
Counsel General and Brexit Minister, Jeremy Miles said:
“For over 20 years, the EU Structural and Investment funds delivered by the Welsh Labour Government, with its partners, have created significant benefits to Wales, helping bring new and better jobs and giving people the skills to do them.
Since the UK government announced the idea of a Shared Prosperity Fund to replace EU funds more than two and half years ago, its actions have not lived up to their promises to engage and consult with us on future arrangements. Even today, we are still awaiting details on how replacement funding will come to Wales and confirmation that the Welsh Government will retain the autonomy, in line with our devolution settlement to decide on how these funds will be spent in Wales.
If Boris Johnson is genuine about upholding and strengthening the Union then respecting devolution, voted for twice by the people of Wales, will be one of the UK government’s first tests.”
The consultation can be found here: https://gov.wales/framework-for-regional-investment-in-wales.