Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
Wales’ strength lies in its communities, and in the commitment of local and national government to work together in trusted partnership. Over recent years, we have collectively navigated significant challenges, always with a shared purpose: to deliver better outcomes for the people and places we serve.
Today, I am publishing the Corporate Joint Committees Position Statement, which sets out our shared expectations for how CJCs can strengthen regional working across Wales.
The Statement has been developed collaboratively with local government, informed directly by the experiences of all four CJCs, Council Leaders, senior officers and partners. It builds on the Strategic Partnership Agreement agreed between Welsh Ministers and all 22 council Leaders, reaffirming our collective commitment to openness, respect and sovereignty.
Corporate Joint Committees were established to provide a coherent, democratically led framework for strategic regional collaboration. They have made significant progress in their statutory duties, including the preparation of Strategic Development Plans and the delivery of Regional Transport Plans—both essential components for connected communities, sustainable growth and long‑term wellbeing. CJCs also play a vital role in promoting regional economic well‑being and strengthening the alignment between planning, transport and investment.
The Position Statement recognises the differing contexts, capacities and priorities across the four regions. It sets out a flexible, proportionate approach that supports clear democratic accountability, and ensures CJCs add strategic value while complementing—rather than duplicating—local delivery.
As we continue to strengthen regional working, the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting CJCs with the capacity and capability they need to be effective. This includes financial support, streamlined governance, and regular dialogue between Ministers, CJCs and local government Leaders. I am grateful to colleagues in local government and to the WLGA for their leadership and constructive engagement throughout this process. This Position Statement provides a stable foundation for the next phase of regional collaboration—one that strengthens democratic decision‑making, supports coherent planning and investment, and delivers better outcomes for communities across Wales.