Written question WQ88297

The Welsh Government is an active and longstanding founder Member of the Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA).

In addition to taking a strategic overview of our collective strategic opportunities across the cross-border areas, I particularly value the MDA’s ability to take a co-ordinated approach to handling economic shocks, including supporting major employers who draw their workforce from both sides of the border. We saw this in action when the pandemic struck and a cross-border taskforce to support businesses and workers was established within days.

I am actively advocating with the UK Government for recognition and financial support for the cross-border area. To this end I have encouraged the MDA’s development of a Cross-Border Recovery Deal (CBRD), with the Welsh Government contributing circa £160,000 towards the development of individual business cases. In addition to demonstrating our strong commitment to the areas, which has been warmly welcomed by the MDA, the aim is to support partners in securing UK government funding for proposals in important areas such as transport, net zero/low carbon, place, skills and inclusive growth.

In order to proactively accelerate this work, the MDA is currently developing a proposal looking into how a cross-border vehicle could be established that could act on behalf of the cross-border economy and bid for, receive and disburse government funds. I welcome this approach and look forward to receiving their proposals.

The recent Cabinet Sub-Committee on North Wales focused on the value and importance of cross-border joint-working, both with Ireland and the North West of England. I was pleased that the MDA was represented at that meeting and played an active and constructive part in our deliberations, alongside the metro mayors of Liverpool and Manchester and the Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.