Will the First Minister provide an update on what support the Welsh Government is providing to the Mersey Dee Alliance?
The Welsh Government supports the Mersey Dee Alliance’s (MDA) strategic overview of cross-border economic opportunities within Flintshire and Wrexham Councils, and Cheshire West and Chester and Wirral Councils. The MDA aims to add value to the work of local authorities while working with existing partnerships, including Ambition North Wales.
We encouraged the MDA’s development of a Cross-Border Recovery Deal (CBRD) and the Welsh Government contributed circa £160,000 towards the development costs. We support partners in securing UK government funding for proposals in key areas such as transport, net zero/low carbon, place, skills and inclusive growth. The MDA is developing a proposal for a vehicle that could bid, receive and disburse government funds. I welcome this approach and look forward to receiving their proposals.