The South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SEWCJC), the regional investment body for Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), says it is committed to developing a ‘Welsh way' of regionalism.
It has welcomed the new UK Government policy ‘Rewire the State'. The plans, unveiled by the Cabinet Office, reflect a wider drive for enhanced regional decision-making over areas such as transport, land use planning and the economy – current statutory responsibilities vested in Wales's four economic regions.
CCR said it is committed to working with both governments and partners to develop a package of credible proposals for empowering regions and the nation, and stands ready to build on ten years of collaborative working to deliver a stronger, fairer and greener South East Wales.
These proposals could see Welsh regions provided with the tools and levers to address ongoing challenges around core funding, parity of powers with Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England and how the reindustrialisation of communities can make a lasting difference.
Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair of Cardiff Capital Region, said:
“We welcome the announcement from UK Government and look forward to the discussions for enhanced devolution. We are committed to developing a Welsh way, acknowledging the constitutional and growth imperatives for the nation. The shift towards greater regional devolution is already underway in large parts of England, with regions in Scotland now openly calling for equivalent powers.
“In CCR, we have always aspired for regionalism and remain keen to work with partners at each level of government, respecting the Welsh devolution settlement, to get better outcomes for communities, businesses and the prosperity of the region.”
Cllr. Dimitri Batrouni co-vice chair of Cardiff Capital Region, added:
“We need a level playing field and that means parity of powers and levers across UK regions. But this is not about empowering regions at the expense of national or local government. This is a positive sum game that will strengthen the whole system. We must work together to raise the bar and ensure CCR remains competitive and ambitious backed by a robust devolved toolkit.”
Cllr. Chris Weaver, co-vice chair of Cardiff Capital Region, said:
“Regional success will lead to better outcomes for Wales – national economic performance is built on the combined strength of regional and local economies. We should be looking at how we can act with ambition at a regional scale on issues and opportunities, and enhance all parts of our ecosystem, driving ideas, innovation and investment across South East Wales.”
Cardiff Capital Region said it continues to work with both governments, alongside its Scottish and Northern Irish counterparts, to address what it said was a growing empowerment gap across UK City Regions. This collaborative approach ensures that devolved nations work together to level the playing field and remain competitive in a UK and global context, it added.
