Cross-Border Western Gateway Partnership Faces Loss of £1M Core Funding
The future of the cross-border Western Gateway Partnership, dedicated to promoting the economies and investment opportunities of south Wales and the west of England, is in jeopardy as the UK Government plans to withdraw its annual £1 million funding. The decision to halt funding for all pan-regional partnerships was announced as part of Rachel Reeves’ Budget, pending consultation and set to take effect at the end of the current financial year. Stakeholders from local authorities, city regions, businesses, and universities spanning from Pembrokeshire to Swindon support the partnership, which was established four years ago in response to the Northern Powerhouse’s influence in advocating for increased investment in the north of England.
The consultation on the funding cut, conducted through a questionnaire, is scheduled to close on Monday, with a final decision expected in January. Despite notable successes such as securing £100 million for the development of new nuclear technology under the Severn Edge initiative and exploring hydrogen use for industry decarbonisation, the partnership’s projects like rail enhancements and assessing tidal renewable energy potential in the Severn Estuary could face uncertainty without UK Government funding. Moreover, the lack of core Westminster funding may limit the partnership’s advocacy efforts and lead to doubts about its sustainability.
Apart from its core UK Government funding, the Western Gateway Partnership has received approximately £700,000 in investments and in-kind support from the private sector and local authorities this year, without funding from the Welsh Government. As the partnership strives to bridge the funding gap amid a challenging financial landscape, its potential to drive economic growth and green job creation in the region could be hindered. A fully funded partnership would be better positioned to advocate for projects such as a tidal barrage, which could provide a significant portion of the UK’s electricity and offer protection against rising sea levels due to climate change.
Chair of the Western Gateway Partnership, Sarah Williams-Gardener, highlighted the collaborative nature of the partnership involving 28 local authorities, businesses, and universities. The partnership’s achievements include attracting investments for low-carbon energy development and forming cross-border plans to enhance rail networks, addressing critical underinvestment issues. Vice-chair Huw Thomas emphasised the partnership’s pivotal role in advocating for regional investments and coordinating development opportunities across the Wales-England border, underscoring the importance of UK Government support to foster growth and job creation in green sectors.
The Western Gateway Partnership’s initiatives, such as exploring tidal energy potential, hydrogen clusters, and improved rail connectivity, aim to capitalise on economic opportunities and regional strengths collaboratively. Advocating for continued cross-border collaboration, the partnership calls on the governments of England and Wales to preserve this unique partnership essential for achieving growth targets and sustaining economic development. In the face of financial uncertainties, the partnership’s efforts to secure funding and advance projects crucial for the region’s economic advancement underscore the importance of continued support from all stakeholders.
The potential loss of core funding for the Western Gateway Partnership not only jeopardises ongoing projects but also raises concerns about the future of cross-border collaboration and economic development initiatives in the region. The partnership’s track record of securing investments and its strategic vision for sustainable development highlight the need for sustained financial support to unlock the region’s economic potential and drive job creation in green industries across south Wales and the west of England. As the consultation period unfolds and stakeholders weigh in on the funding decision, the fate of the partnership hangs in the balance, impacting not only current projects but also the long-term economic prospects of the region.
The Western Gateway Partnership’s call for continued UK Government backing underscores the significance of cross-border cooperation in realising economic growth and fostering innovation in key sectors. With the consultation deadline looming, the partnership’s stakeholders, including local authorities and businesses, are intensifying efforts to secure funding and ensure the continuation of vital projects that underpin the region’s economic resilience and sustainability. The outcomes of the consultation and subsequent decisions will shape the future trajectory of the partnership and its pivotal role in driving economic growth, green investments, and job creation in south Wales and the west of England.