Secretary of State says Wrexham will now start to receive benefits from prosperity fund

A question by Wrexham’s new MP has revealed Wrexham will specifically benefit from a shared prosperity fund.

New MP Sarah Atherton spoke during Oral Questions over the Shared Prosperity Fund during questions to the also new Secretary of State for Wales. In questions on the fund

The Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP said: “…by describing the shared prosperity fund as a good news story, because for the first time in 45 years, a substantial sum of money is going to be distributed in Wales by Welsh politicians who are directly accountable to Welsh voters. That has not been the case for some time.”

“The collaborative approach I take with the Welsh Government over the distribution of the fund should ensure that it goes to the places where it is most needed, and is not—as some might argue has been the case in the past—blown on vanity projects. The relevant Minister in the Welsh Government is with me on this; we have a shared ambition to ensure that outcome, and to do so collaboratively and efficiently.”

Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton asked a direct question, “Diolch yn fawr, Mr Speaker. Under the Welsh Labour Government, Wrexham has missed out on opportunities for the past 20 years. Can the Secretary of State give assurances that Wrexham will now start to receive benefits from the shared prosperity fund?”

The Secretary of State replied, “May I congratulate my hon. Friend too? It is going to be a day of congratulating new Members, which is a happy place to be.

“I hope—my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary will confirm this in due course—that, as far is Wrexham is concerned, the answer is yes.

“As for growth deals, that is an ongoing and positive development for Wales on which further information will be made available as we proceed. It is absolutely right that my hon. Friend highlights the specifics for her particular part of Wales, and yes, we will certainly comply and co-operate with that.”

In the brief overview Q&A session there were no details of timeframes for the benefits to be seen locally, or what form they will take.

There have been concerns that funds could ‘subvert’ devolution taking control away from Welsh Government.

Chris Elmore MP asked, “I am all for strengthening the Union, as most Welsh politicians are. I am completely against nationalism and all it stands for, but the reality is that I am also in favour of supporting the devolution settlement. This funding has always been controlled by the Assembly, so can the Secretary of State confirm that he will rule out subverting the Welsh Government by funding local government directly in Wales? Bypassing the Welsh Government and the National Assembly for Wales will do nothing to strengthen the Union.”

The Secretary of State replied, “The reassurance I can give is that nothing contained in the proposals for the shared prosperity fund will in any way drive a coach and horses through the devolution settlement.”

Top pic: Wrexham’s new MP speaking for what we think is the first time in the House of Commons.