AM Welcomes Major Funding Boost For Welsh services

Wrexham Assembly member Lesley Griffiths has praised a multimillion pound funding package for housing, schools, transport and flood protection which will safeguard around 1,400 jobs and boost economic growth throughout Wales.

The £76.5 million investment is delivered through the Welsh Government’ Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP).

A significant proportion of the funding is to be received by the housing sector, emphasising its priority to the Welsh Government.

An extra £20 million is accorded to the Social Housing Grant helping reduce poverty in Wales whilst £10 million aims to expand the Houses for Homes initiative to bring empty houses back into use. The extra funds hope to counteract and soften the impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms and the individuals and families adversely affected.

The housing sector also plays a substantial role in generating jobs and growth and it is hoped the funding package will help boost the national economy.

Other areas benefiting from the funds include a £25 million package of investment in education to further accelerate the 21st Century Schools Programme and a £10m additional investment in the Flood and Coastal Risk Management Programme, to protect homes, businesses and communities from the risk of flooding.

AM Griffiths said: “This latest investment emphasises the Welsh Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, creating job opportunities and boosting economic growth.

“Although the main benefits of the investment are gained over the long term, the jobs created in construction are vital in the current economic climate as 1,400 jobs are supported.”

“The development is on-going and I trust the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan will continue to help improve services across Wrexham and Wales for many years to come.”

The overall aim of WIIP is to ensure future capital investment is used to deliver the maximum benefits to Wales and since its publication in May 2012, infrastructure projects have taken place across the country totalling over £1.1 billion.