The Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, has today asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, to consider establishing an Investment Zone covering his Clwyd South constituency, Wrexham and the wider north east Wales region.
Investment Zones were announced by the UK Government last year. They will grant a small number of geographic areas with tax and regulatory rules designed to promote economic growth. A total of twelve locations across the UK will receive this designation, with each Zone receiving approximately £80 million in UK Government funding over five years.
Speaking at Treasury Questions today, Simon Baynes MP asked the Chancellor the following:
“Would the Chancellor agree with me that my constituency of Clwyd South, that of my Honourable Friend, the Member for Wrexham, and the rest of north east Wales represent one of the best candidates for a new Investment Zone? And would he also consider making this cross-border, given our very close economic, commercial, and cultural ties with the north west of England?”
In response, the Chancellor stated:
“I know that there are some great businesses in his constituency and I much enjoyed meeting Robin and Helen Jones from the Jones Village Bakery at a recent reception in Number 10, and I know they’re going from strength to strength. I holidayed in Clwyd last year, and from the top of Moel Famau I saw a very impressive offshore wind farm and I completely agree with him there is enormous potential in Clwyd for clean energy and as discussions continue about Investment Zones I wish him, as well, every success.”
Simon Baynes MP, speaking after his question in the Chamber, said:
“I welcome the Chancellor’s response to my question today. Investment Zones represent a unique opportunity and demonstrate the desire of the UK Government to deliver on its promise to Levelling Up. Going forward, I look forward to continuing to work with Sarah Atherton, MP for Wrexham, and other parliamentary colleagues to maximise the chances of an Investment Zone being established in our area.”
