Written Statement - Cardiff Capital Region Report

Cardiff Capital Region Board is launching their Report entitled “Powering the Welsh Economy” today.

This Report marks a further milestone in the development of the Cardiff Capital Region.  It sets out the Board’s strategic vision - to fulfill the Region’s potential to transform the lives of people living within the Region and throughout the rest of Wales.  

The Report highlights the opportunity for the Region – for people, communities, business, government and a wide range of other groups - to come together around four key themes:

• Connectivity (both digital and physical) 
• Skills
• Innovation and growth
• Identity.  

The Report’s recommendations are significant and have long-term implications.  It is important we get this right and there are three issues in particular that require immediate attention.  

Firstly, I recognise that the Board has talked to a range of stakeholders to help inform the Report.   However, given the importance of the issues raised, I would welcome the views of Members on the Report’s findings.

Secondly, now that a high-level vision is in place, there is a need for greater clarity in terms of translating this vision into projects that will make a real difference.  This is something I will be discussing with the Chair.  

Thirdly, the Report has broader implications that reach beyond my Economy, Science and Transport portfolio. There are important considerations here, particularly in terms of planning and broader devolved services reform.  Therefore, I have written to my Cabinet colleagues, the Minister for Public Services and the Minister for Natural Resources, to seek their views.   I have also written to the Minister for Finance.  

I will continue to keep Members updated as we continue to progress this agenda.  A copy of the Report can be found online.