What should be the priorities for the Welsh economy?

The Bevan Foundation urges the Welsh Government to focus on inclusion in the Welsh economy over the next five years.

The Bevan Foundation has submitted a response to the Welsh Cabinet Secretary’s consultation on economic priorities.   It argues that the economic context has changed significantly since the last Welsh Government economic strategy was published. The modest recovery after the financial crash, the prospect of Brexit and continuing difficulties especially in the south Wales valleys mean that it is time for a new approach.

The Bevan Foundation urges a shift of focus away from output or GVA. Instead, the priority should be creating decent jobs, whatever economic sector they happen to be in, and getting a geographical balance of growth across Wales. As well as reiterating the call for the valleys to be designated as an enterprise zone, the paper recommends that Merthyr Tydfil should be designated as a growth hub.  It also argues that action is needed to ensure disabled people, ethnic minorities and women are able to access jobs.

The paper builds on the approach outlined in the report prepared with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Prosperity without Poverty. 

Format: PDF
Pages: 8
Language: English
Price: Free

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