Cross-border Western Gateway Partnership facing end of the road after UK Government ends funding
The future of the cross-border Western Gateway Partnership, established to champion the economies and investment potential of south Wales and the west of England, is in serious doubt after the UK Government decided to pull its £1m core funding. The partnership, supported by local authorities, city regions, businesses, and universities from Pembrokeshire to Swindon, was set up four years ago to promote economic growth in the region. However, the recent decision by the UK Government to end its annual commitment has left the partnership facing closure on June 6th.
The UK Government’s rationale behind ending the funding is based on the presence of mayoral combined authorities in the affected regions, which are deemed capable of assuming the roles previously held by the partnership. Despite efforts by the Western Gateway Partnership to engage with the UK Government, including requests for meetings with Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, no resolution was reached. The partnership had relied on a mix of private sector investment and local authority support alongside its core funding to operate.
One of the partnership’s significant initiatives was the Severn Estuary Commission, which explored clean energy opportunities in the region. The commission recommended a lagoon approach over a tidal barrage for harnessing tidal energy in the Severn Estuary, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions. Moving forward, the future of such collaborative efforts, particularly in advocating for tidal power investment, remains uncertain following the funding withdrawal.
Despite the impending closure, the partnership remains committed to supporting the 28 local authorities it covers by participating in the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in May. This event will provide a platform for discussing investment opportunities and exploring avenues for continued cross-border collaboration. Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of the Western Gateway Partnership, expressed disappointment in the UK Government’s decision but affirmed the commitment to realizing the region’s economic potential.
Over the years, the partnership has achieved significant milestones, including securing funding for new nuclear technology development and establishing projects aimed at decarbonizing industry through hydrogen use. Rail enhancement projects addressing historical underinvestment in infrastructure have also been identified. The partnership’s dedication to driving economic growth and fostering cooperation across the region remains unwavering, even as it faces financial challenges.
As the June deadline approaches, stakeholders are left grappling with the impact of the partnership’s closure on regional development efforts. The absence of a coordinated platform like the Western Gateway Partnership could hinder future collaborative projects and investment opportunities in south Wales and the west of England. Despite this setback, local authorities and stakeholders are determined to explore alternative avenues for advancing economic growth and sustainability in the region, with or without the partnership’s formal structure.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of UK Government funding for the Western Gateway Partnership marks a pivotal moment for cross-border cooperation in the region. The partnership’s closure underscores the challenges faced in sustaining collaborative efforts across diverse stakeholders and jurisdictions. Moving forward, stakeholders will need to reassess their strategies for promoting economic development and innovation in south Wales and the south west of England, considering the changing landscape of regional partnerships and government priorities.