Newport City Council; reflecting on challenges and looking forward on opportunities… Posted on: December 21st, 2018 The South Wales Development Plans Conference in January will bring together leaders of the public and private sector to network, collaborate and drive forward new opportunities for development and regeneration within the regions. One of those involved in the conference is Cllr Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council and ahead of the event we hear exclusively as she reflects on 2018 and the challenges they’ve faced – whilst looking forward to 2019 and the exciting opportunities it brings: As we come to the end of the year and we look forward to 2019, it is right to take some time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities we continue to face. As the Leader of Newport City Council I see the two sides of this coin on a daily basis and every day my determination to improve the outcomes for our communities grows stronger. As Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association I also have the privilege of seeing the broader picture which gives me a clear view of how local government is working with all partners to create better opportunities across the country. My prime focus is obviously South East Wales and I want to take some time to outline some of the key initiatives which are occupying my time as I strive to deliver better outcomes. As a leader in local government I am a passionate supporter of devolution – taking the decisions which impact communities at the closest point to the people who receive the service. It also clear that cities and city regions are the drivers of economic growth and this trend is set to continue in the future. Newport may be a smaller city, but we have huge ambition and people are seeing the potential which is evidenced by the interest we see from investors across the UK. Amongst the recent key developments we are now home to Cardiff University’s National Software Academy. Three hundred software students will graduate from the academy per year, helping to address the shortage in software engineers which is limiting our ability to secure economic growth. Newport is building a strong reputation as the place for technology firms to grow their home. Innovation is the foundation stone of economic growth and the creation by IQE of the £38m compound semi-conductor factory in the city is another example of how the economy is changing, bringing higher value jobs to the region. Creating a successful economy isn’t a task which can be delivered by government alone. It has to be done in partnership with business, academia and other stakeholders. One of the key initiatives in Newport has been the creation of the Newport Economic Network (NEN). This is a partnership of key stakeholders from across the city, chaired by Professor Simon Gibson (Chief Executive of Wesley Clover), who are united in their determination to improve the economy of the city. Effective partnerships also exist at a regional level. Perhaps the best example has been the development of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal (CCRCD). This partnership between UK Government, Welsh Government and 10 Local Authorities is focused on creating a long term plan. Initial funding of £1.3bn has been allocated and a clear business plan is in place to ensure we this money is committed to projects which will finally move Wales away from the bottom of the league table in terms of economic performance. The importance of the city deal should not be underestimated. We have focused for too long on short term public sector led interventions, which simply haven’t had the impact we had hoped for. The city deal is challenging us to think differently, working with business to invest over the long term in new innovative areas of the economy. Wales was at the forefront of the last industrial revolution as the foundations of 20th century industry was based on coal. Technological innovations, based on code will provide the foundations for the new revolution and the city deal partnership is focused on turbo charging this revolution to provide the high value opportunities which will follow. We are also looking beyond South Wales as we play our part in the development of the wider UK economy. The removal of the Severn Bridge tolls in December 2018 is a huge opportunity to secure further investment. I have heard some voices against this change but we mustn’t be afraid to embrace change. There will inevitably be an increase in traffic but we must see this as an opportunity to market South Wales as an even more attractive place to come to live and work. Challenges remain, most notably in the ongoing uncertainty regarding the M4 relief road. One thing is absolutely clear – the status quo can’t continue. It is a barrier to economic growth in South Wales. We need clarity and certainty and I urge Welsh Government to make a decision as soon as possible. For Newport and South Wales one of the main advantages of the abolition of the tolls is the ability to improve links to the economy of the West of England. Bristol is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and one of the best performing outside London. The pull of the Bristol economy is a reality for South Wales and something we need to acknowledge and work to develop. Some have argued that working across borders is disloyal. I can’t subscribe to this view. My focus is firmly on improving opportunities for all and I will continue to build partnerships which help to deliver on this goal. That is why I am working with others to develop the concept of a Western Powerhouse, making the case to UK and Welsh Governments for us to work together more effectively. We want similar status to the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine with regard to the allocation of resources for infrastructure investment and access to trade missions. All this will help Newport and the South of Wales. In similar vein, it wouldn’t be right to ignore the ongoing debate about Brexit. South Wales has seen significant benefit from EU funding and regardless of the future shape of our relationship with Europe we have to recognise the risk to communities as this funding is withdrawn. Wales hasn’t always had its appropriate share of resources when allocations are made by UK Government. We have to make sure this isn’t the case as the arrangements for the Shared Prosperity Fund are developed. So 2019 will inevitably bring many challenges and we have to be prepared for all eventualities. Regardless of the difficulties we may face I remain optimistic. My city, Newport, is growing and open for business and the council I lead stands ready to help those who want to invest to improve opportunities for all. The South Wales region has shown over the last 12 months our readiness to be bold and set a clear course for the future. Our willingness to look beyond our immediate boundaries also shows we will not be constrained by historic and limiting enmities. The 21st Century will be characterised by innovation and I will support this in all its guises. My role as a Leader is to embrace change and opportunity and these will continue to drive me on as I focus on my overall aim – “Improving People’s Lives” Come and hear from Debbie Wilcox and others at the South Wales Development Conference. Click here to view the agenda.
