Responding to the Compact to Move Wales Forward agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru, FSB Wales Head of External Affairs Ben Cottam said: “We welcome the agreement which has paved the way for the creation of a new Welsh Government.
“The compact contains some interesting provisions, and we welcome the proposed Infrastructure Commission as it will allow a valuable opportunity to have a more detailed and evidence-based assessment of options for the M4 relief road. That assessment must take into account revised traffic forecasts and the impact of other major transport initiatives including the South Wales mainline electrification and the South Wales Metro. However, this body will also have a vital role in determining the wider infrastructure needs across the whole of the Welsh economy.
“FSB Wales also welcomes moves to bring forward a Development Bank. We hope that the creation of the Development Bank will be informed by our own work on a Wales Small Business Administration which underlines the need to bring access to finance, business support, and links into procurement under a single body.
“Ultimately we hope that this agreement will provide both valuable stability and greater transparency of government in Wales. This is a critical time for the Welsh economy with a need to do all we can to foster business confidence. Assembly Members of all parties should be open to views from across the business community to plot a new strategy for The Welsh economy.”
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
