🚨 Big Promises, Small Deliveries: Wales’ Growth Deals Under the Spotlight! 🚨
Wales’ ambitious growth deals promised a wave of investment and jobs, but are they really delivering? 🤔 Almost 10 years in, a Senedd committee has raised red flags over the progress, especially in Cardiff and North Wales.
🔍 The Cardiff deal aimed to create 25,000 jobs, yet only 1,537 have materialised. Concerns have also been raised about the costly purchase of the Aberthaw power station—will it drain pockets before it reaps benefits? 💸
Meanwhile, the North Wales deal stumbled with the Trawsfynydd project, initially a key job creator, now scrapped. Disappointingly, only 35 jobs have emerged so far.
🛠️ On a brighter note, the Swansea Bay deal is showing some success with nearly 900 new jobs and a substantial boost in private investment. 🎉
Senedd’s economy committee is urging tighter oversight and clear funding strategies to ensure these deals fulfil their promises and maximise public investment. With transparency and long-term vision, they believe economic growth for Wales is within reach. 📈
The UK Government insists these deals have already delivered thousands of jobs and are investing in key areas like Swansea city centre and Pembroke Dock. But the call for improved accountability remains strong.
What do you think? Can these growth deals transform Wales’ economy, or do they need a serious rethink? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #WalesEconomy #GrowthDeals #JobCreation