What is Cardiff Capital Region? 

Cardiff Capital Region is a partnership between the ten local councils in South East Wales and the Welsh and UK Governments. It supports economic growth, improves transport and digital links, and helps people across the region live well. It began as a City Deal in 2017 to improve the economy for 1.5 million residents. In 2024, it became a public body called a Corporate Joint Committee (CJC). A CJC allows councils to make decisions together. It is responsible for regional transport, the economy and planning for future development.  

Who is involved in the Cardiff Capital Region? 

Cardiff Capital Region brings together ten local councils: Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport and Cardiff. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park also takes part in planning work. The leaders of the ten councils are legally responsible for the CJC. Together, they form the Cardiff Capital Region Executive and make decisions on behalf of the CJC.

How is the Cardiff Capital Region governed? 

The ten council leaders meet as the South East Wales CJC. They agree the region’s main plans and set its budget each year. Monmouthshire is represented in the following ways:

• Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby chairs the South East Wales CJC, the main decision-making body for Cardiff Capital Region. She also leads work on research, innovation and investment partnerships.
• Councillor Paul Griffiths represents Monmouthshire on the Regional Growth Board, which advises the CJC on the economy and how plans should be delivered. He also acts for Councillor Brocklesby and is a member of the Strategic Development Sub-Committee.
• Councillor Catrin Maby represents Monmouthshire on the Regional Transport Sub-Committee.
• Councillor John Crook represents Monmouthshire on the Governance and Audit Sub-Committee. This group scrutinises how the CJC manages public money, risks and its own performance.
• Councillor Armand Watts represents Monmouthshire on the Joint Oversight Committee, which checks how well the CJC is performing.
• Paul Matthews, Chief Executive, represents Monmouthshire on the Investment Board. The Board advises the CJC on investment and how funding will be used over the next few years. He is also a member of the Regional Chief Executives Group.

You can find more information about the CJC and its boards on the Cardiff Capital Region website below:

Cardiff Capital Region Governance information web page (opens in a new tab)

How does the Cardiff Capital Region address the economic challenges of SouthEast Wales? 

Cardiff Capital Region is working to build a stronger, fairer and greener economy. It wants growth to benefit people and communities across the region. Its work includes reducing inequality, helping businesses grow and supporting innovative ideas. It also invests in green projects and better transport and digital links.

How effective has the Cardiff Capital Region been to date – Phase One 

Since 2017, mainly through the £495 million City Deal, Cardiff Capital Region has:

• Created or protected about 6,000 jobs and attracted more than £2 billion in private investment.
• Supported more than 200 businesses in key sectors. These include financial technology, medical technology, cyber security, data analysis, creative industries, advanced computer chips, energy and the environment.
• Invested millions of pounds in the region’s Metro transport system.
• Supported skills and innovation programmes in the public and private sectors.
• Invested in projects such as the Housing Viability Gap Fund, Strategic Premises Fund and Northern Valleys Initiative.
• Created a £160 million Investment Zone. This can use expected future tax income to support investment now.

What impact has the Cardiff Capital Region had in Monmouthshire to date? 

• A £3 million grant to help develop the Severn Tunnel Junction Park and Ride through Metro Plus.
• Access to a programme that supports facilities for ultra-low emission vehicles.
• A £2 million investment in Creo Medical, a medical technology business based in Chepstow. The company has won multiple awards for developing new equipment that can improve healthcare and patient care.
• About £5.3 million from the Housing Viability Fund for 140 homes at Vinegar Hill, Magor. This attracted £27 million in private investment and is expected to add about £42 million to the economy.
• Support for Monmouthshire businesses through the Cluster Growth and Development Programme. This programme helps groups of connected businesses to grow. It has supported Microchip in Caldicot, which makes technology used in medical, communications, industrial, aerospace and defence equipment. It has also supported the growing group of creative businesses in Chepstow.
• About £7 million for regional transport projects.
• An extension of the Industrial Units Accelerator Programme to include North Abergavenny as part of the Northern Valleys Initiative.

What can we expect from Cardiff Capital Region Phase 2 activity? 

The next phase will focus on the Corporate Joint Committee’s legal duties in three areas:

Transport:

• A £50 million yearly grant programme for local transport improvements.
• Upgrades to Cardiff Central Station.
• Further work through Metro Plus.
• Making the most of the £2 billion investment in the Heads of the Valleys Road.

Planning for land and development

• Ask landowners and developers to suggest sites for development.
• Develop a regional plan for future growth.

Economic Wellbeing

• Deliver the City Deal’s £500 million investment fund.
• Continue to deliver the £160 million South East Wales Investment Zone.
• Deliver a £40 million Local Innovation Partnership Fund. It will support creative technology and the development of advanced compound semiconductors or computer chips.
• Deliver the £270 million Local Growth Fund.

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