First meeting for South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee

Aimed at further driving economic prosperity across South West Wales, a new committee has held its first meeting.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, has been elected chair of the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales for the next 12 months following its formal constitution on Thursday January 13.

The Committee also includes the Leaders of Carmarthenshire Council, Neath Port Talbot Council and Pembrokeshire Council, as well as senior representatives of The Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Park authorities.

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Carmarthenshire Council Leader, has been elected vice-chair.

Tasked with preparing transport and strategic development plans for the region, the Corporate Joint Committee can also exercise economic well-being powers.

Karen Jones, Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council, will carry out the committee's Chief Executive duties for the first year of its operation. After that time, the role will then rotate between the four local authorities of South West Wales.

Cllr Stewart said: "The four local authorities have worked productively over recent months with the two national park authorities to enable the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales to be constituted within the timescale required.

"This committee will build on the strong partnership arrangements already in place, putting strategic planning for transport, energy and economic development on a strong footing as well as paving the way for the region to produce its first strategic development plan.

"We already have a strong track record in the region when it comes to joint working, with the Corporate Joint Committee providing a fresh impetus to our work to further drive economic prosperity across South West Wales."

The Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales is one of four being established in Wales. They're being introduced by the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.