The Welsh Government had no prior warning from the UK Government of its decision to bring forward its committed funding contributions for city and growth deals in Wales.
The Swansea Bay Region City Deal, which has been running for a number years with investments already made, as well two separate and emerging growth deals for North and Mid Wales, have approved financial backing from both the Cardiff Bay and Westminster administrations running into hundreds of millions of pounds.
Both governments has worked together on the approval of deals in Wales.
The Treasury announced earlier week it was bringing forward £58.7m in its funding commitment for the all three deal over the next five years. This effectively shortens their backing from what was previously agreed to be over 15 years to 10 years.
The forward funding was confirmed by Rishi Sunak in his Budget along with £30m of backing for the planned £150m Global Centre of Rail Excellence in Neath Port Talbot, a project that is being is being driven by the Welsh Government. He also confirmed £4.8m for a hydrogen hub in Holyhead.
On whether the Welsh Government will now follow suit by bringing its funding commitment forward for the deals, a spokesperson said: "Alongside the other city and growth deal partners, we await further details from the UK Government on what this means for Wales. It is disappointing that the UK Government has not seen fit to engage respectfully with partners on this matter ahead of their announcement.
“We remain committed to providing the funding the deals need to succeed and at the time they need it.”
The £1.3bn Cardiff Capital Region City Deal is expected to clear its first five year gateway review undertaken by both governments later this month.
Whether the Treasury also intents to bring forward its City Deal funding commitment for the region a spokesman said: The Cardiff Capital Region City Deal is currently subject to a gateway review, which will confirm the release of the next five year tranche of funding. Any potential reprofiling for this Deal will be kept under review.”
In his Budget the Chancellor, having announced eight freeports for England, said he was looking to agree with the Welsh Government a freeport for Wales.
However, the Welsh Government has expressed concerns over their overall economic impact, particularly the issue of displacement with them attracting investment and jobs from elsewhere in the economy.
The UK had seven freeports between 1984 and 2012
