Written question WQ86667

On 1 September the UK and Welsh Governments jointly published the new Freeport Programme in Wales prospectus, which invites bids from potential sites across Wales to demonstrate how they meet three core objectives, as well as supporting the WG’s priorities around fair work and sustainability:

• Promote regeneration and high-quality job creation.

• Establish the Freeport as a national hub for global trade and investment across the economy.

• Foster an innovative environment.

Consortiums from across Wales have until 24 November to prepare their bids, which will be co-assessed by officials and jointly selected by ministers from the UK and Welsh Governments in an open and transparent selection process.

UK Ministers have agreed to provide up to £26 million of non-repayable starter funding for the successful site, which represents a parity with the deals offered to each of the English and Scottish freeports. Businesses located in the future Freeport will also benefit from simplified customs procedures, relief on customs duties, tax relief such as Non-Domestic Rates relief, and development flexibility.

The Freeport Programme in Wales is an opportunity for us to reimagine the role of ports and I am looking for bids which genuinely boost investment in Wales and progress the Welsh Government’s wider ambitions supporting industries of the future and accelerates our journey from decarbonisation through to net zero.