WLGA takes fight for EU funds to highest political level
08 October 2010
The WLGA has joined forces with local and regional representatives from across Europe to lobby for the continuation of EU Competitiveness Funding post 2013. This funding is currently worth around £280 million to the East Wales region and is vital to job creation and economic development.
Participating in a high level summit in Brussels yesterday on behalf of the East Wales authorities, Cllr. Wynne Jones (Powys) said:
“MEPs and other stakeholders are warning that, as a result of budgetary pressures, Competitiveness Funding might be absent from the next EU programming period. This would be a huge blow to East Wales in its efforts to regenerate some of Wales’ most deprived communities, increase skills and employment, and tackle economic inactivity in the wake of the recent financial crisis”.
Explaining why ‘wealthier’ regions should continue to receive EU funds, Cllr Jones continued:
“Some Competitiveness regions, such as East Wales, are experiencing negative growth and face serious economic and employment challenges. Also, the current broad approach to classifying regions does not take into account regional disparities, meaning there are pockets of poverty in East Wales that are on a par with parts of Wales’ Convergence region.”
“All the activities we have been involved in today are a culmination of an extensive lobbying campaign in which the WLGA has taken a lead role. This has involved leading on a UK Competitiveness Regions lobby group, close collaboration on the pan-European lobbying initiative, and the organisation of an event in Llandrindod Wells on 20 September, which drew attention to the domestic aspects of this lobby.”
Ends
For further information contact: Lucy Sweet, Tel: 029 2046 8673 or e-mail lucy.sweet@wlga.gov.uk
Notes for editors
• East Wales is composed of seven Welsh local authorities, including Flintshire County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council, Powys County Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Newport City Council, Cardiff City Council, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council
For more information contact: Lucy Sweet