A proposal to create an economic powerhouse across the West of England and South Wales has secured more funding from Westminster.
The Western Gateway partnership has received £800,000 for the 2021 to 2022 financial year - double the amount than the year previously - from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
While respecting devolution in Wales and growing mayoral powers in the West Country, the Western Gateway is a strategic partnership aimed at promoting and maximising economic growth from Bristol to Swansea.
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It was launched by ministers in November 2019 and is aimed at encouraging collaboration between authorities on either side of the channel.
The most recent cash injection will allow the partnership to increase its activities such as engaging with businesses and developing and delivering proposals for projects, according to those behind the plans.
Katherine Bennett, chair of the Western Gateway, said she was “really pleased” the partnership had been recognised with more funding.
“[It will] drive forward jobs, skills and opportunities for people in Western England and South Wales,” she said.
"It is testament to the hard work and collaboration from our partners and will allow us to increase our activities, setting the scene for a post-Covid future, bringing together businesses, universities and the public sector, and operate at the scale required to deliver a greener and cleaner future.”
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Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, said Bristol was "committed" to the opportunities that collaboration between the West of England and South Wales could deliver.
“Our collective aim is to secure inclusive economic growth and prosperity for Bristol and the entire partnership area," he said.
"By working with partners on both sides of the Severn we will ensure that investment and jobs are brought to our city.”
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In 2020, the partnership launched a new website and prospectus explaining the cross-border initiative .
Former Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said at the launch of the initiative the Western Gateway would “provide an arena for the joint strengths of two neighbouring areas”.
”South Wales and the West of England already form a natural economic region with excellent transport networks in road and rail and well-established links in business, industry and education,” he said.
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Delivering the vision could add more than £56bn to the 海角视频 economy by 2030 and help the region achieve a net-zero future, according to the organisations behind the initiative.
What do you think of the Western Gateway partnership plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below