The leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council has raised concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the £20m funding for the town’s regeneration. Initially, the UK Government had announced in September that Merthyr Tydfil was slated to receive the £20m through the Long Term Plan For Towns programme, aimed at providing long-term investment in 55 towns for local priorities such as regenerating high streets, improving town centres, and enhancing public safety and transport connectivity.
Councillor Geraint Thomas, the independent leader of the council, mentioned that over the previous 12 months, they had consulted with residents to determine their priorities for the town’s regeneration. However, the council was caught off guard when they learned through a news report that the UK Government had suspended the project, leaving them in limbo. Cllr Thomas expressed disappointment at the lack of formal communication from various government levels, including the UK Government, Welsh Government, local MP Gerald Jones, and Member of the Senedd Dawn Bowden.
He highlighted the potential risks to future projects and associated jobs due to this uncertainty, emphasising the significant blow of losing the £20m earmarked for the town’s development. Cllr Thomas appealed for public support in lobbying the MP and Senedd Member to seek clarity on the future of the town. Merthyr Tydfil was one of four Welsh local authorities set to benefit from the £20m scheme, and the council indicated their intentions to seek clarification from the government bodies involved.
In response to the situation, a Welsh Government spokesperson mentioned their ongoing investments through the Transforming Towns funding, with Merthyr Tydfil having benefited from over £18m in grants and loans for strategic projects. The Welsh Government also expressed readiness for discussions with the UK Government regarding post-EU funds. As the council awaits further updates, they plan to communicate with the relevant authorities to seek clarity on the status of the funding and the potential impact on the town’s regeneration efforts.