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The Future of Regional Development and Public Investment in Wales, United Kingdom

image of The Future of Regional Development and Public Investment in Wales, United Kingdom

The Welsh Government has set an ambitious and innovative path for regional development and public investment – one focused on generating growth and increasing productivity, while also reducing territorial disparities and ensuring the well-being of citizens, now and in the future. Yet, it faces significant challenges, accentuated by limited fiscal decentralisation and changes to public investment financing post-Brexit. This OECD Multi-level Governance Studies report provides the Welsh Government and Welsh local authorities with analysis and recommendations on how to achieve regional development and public investment aims. The report offers insight into how the Welsh Government and Welsh local authorities can increase their fiscal and public investment capacity, and strengthen their governance practices. It stresses that the Welsh Government’s ability to coordinate regional development policy and associated public investment is a determining factor in meeting growth and well-being objectives. This report also proposes a variety of mechanisms to strengthen policy and service delivery at the local level. A case study featuring the challenges and benefits of establishing economic regions in Mid and South West Wales sheds a practical light on the various aspects explored throughout the report.

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Executive summary

The Welsh Government and local authorities are aware of the territorial disparities they face and are committed to addressing them. Successfully achieving large-scale territorial objectives, such as minimising disparities or increasing well-being, is linked to the good governance of regional development and public investment policies. It leads to more effective use of public investment funds and creates growth possibilities. To support more effective public investment, the Welsh Government and local authorities could refine their approach and take stronger action in three areas: i)effective policy design and co‑ordination, ii) sound and appropriate fiscal and investment frameworks, and iii) building capacity for policy implementation and learning by and at all levels of government.

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