NEXT STEPS FOR
THE VALLEYS

The Next Steps for the Valleys

The Next Steps for the Valleys report was commissioned by Industrial Communities Alliance Wales, part of the GB-wide association of local authorities covering the former coalfields and other older industrial areas.

The report explains that the Valleys, which have a population of three-quarters of a million, are possibly the most disadvantaged former industrial region in Britain:

• There are just 46 employee jobs per 100 residents of working age

• Very large numbers of residents have to travel to work outside the area

• Almost one-in-five 16-64 year olds are out-of-work on benefits of one kind or another

The report also explains how recent developments in UK regional policy have seriously weakened the ability of the Valleys to attract investment and jobs.  ‘Assisted Area’ status and regional investment aid have been abolished and the replacement for EU funding – the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – is worth a lot less.

Restoring the Valleys’ competitive edge for business investment is the key priority, says the report.

Ten Priorities

The report sets out ten proposals for the UK and Welsh Governments, the private sector and local bodies such as Transport for Wales:

1. Keep the funding flowing

2. Support manufacturing

3. Restore regional investment aid

4. Invest in business sites and premises

5. Deliver an apprenticeship system that works

6. Make the most of the Heads of the Valleys road

7. Build on the strengths of Valley towns

8. Look after the fabric of smaller places

9. Speed up journey times

10. Balance momentum along the M4 with investment in the Valleys