Newport could see growth in Wales "city region" - report (From South Wales Argus)

Newport could see growth in Wales "city region" - report

10:09am Wednesday 11th July 2012 in Gwent news By Argus reporter

NEWPORT could be placed into a "city region" to help boost economic development in South Wales, a report is expected to say later today.

The Welsh government asked a group of experts to determine whether two city regions would work in areas based around Cardiff and Swansea.

But it is believed the city region scheme would not benefit areas of North Wales.

The report will be presented to AMs at the Senedd later today .

Previous reports suggested the move would see Swansea, Llanelli and parts of Neath Port Talbot work together to strengthen business links and stimulate economic output.

Other options were said to have included the whole former industrial South Wales, South East Wales and Swansea bay, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport.

International research shows economic growth increasingly happens in regions centred on a city.

It shows that populations of more than 500,000 attract higher skilled, better paid jobs.

It is said that lower skilled jobs are also created as a consequence of the spending power of wealthier residents.

Wales' cities generate only 33% of its wealth, which is the lowest such proportion of all UK nations and regions.