THE director of the £1.2 billion City Deal for South Wales could be employed at Monmouthshire County Council on a six-figure contract.

The local authority has been chosen to host the role on behalf of the 10 councils invested in the deal, with the successful candidate expected to earn more than £100,000 a year.

But the salary will be shared amongst all participating in the investment.

The aim of the deal in general is to generate more than £5 billion in combined private and public sector investment and create 25,000 new jobs by 2036.

A decision on the appointment will be made by the City Deal’s regional joint cabinet, on which Monmouthshire council leader Cllr Peter Fox sits.

County councillors will debate the appointment at full council on Thursday.

Monmouthshire confirmed its involvement in the City Deal in January, when councillors made a unanimous decision to take part amidst applause.

The council agreed to contribute £12.9 million over 25 years to the £120 million funding pot for the deal.

These funds will be diverted into a larger £495 million regional cabinet fund, which will receive further financial backing from the UK Government to the tune of £375 million.

Speaking in January, Cllr Fox said: “It [the Deal] is about collaboration, it’s about us coming together collectively to influence the economic fortunes for the whole region.

“The young people that live and grow up here might find that they can satisfy their aspirations within Wales instead of having to look across the border.

“We need to have opportunities for our young people to grow up and bring their families and have good high paid jobs here in the region.”

A council spokesman said: “The programme director will be appointed by the Regional Joint Cabinet that oversees the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and will be funded by the ten councils that make up the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.

“Monmouthshire will host the role on behalf of the other nine councils.”