A vibrant rural economy is vital for Wales’ economic prosperity and the Welsh Conservatives have innovative plans to boost support for a rural economy which is worth over £13 billion to the Wales. With the right support, rural Mid Wales could be an economic powerhouse.
Through the responsible use of our abundant natural resources; support for our farming industry; universal access to high speed broadband and mobile coverage; and more enterprise focused planning regulations, much-needed jobs can be generated, while protecting the unique characteristics of rural Wales.
The last Welsh Government consistently failed to understand the specific needs of Mid Wales’ rural communities and treated rural Wales as an afterthought, slashing the rural affairs budget.
This has compounded the situation for farmers who already face a difficult economic outlook. We would reverse this trend by ensuring that more European funding goes directly back into the pockets of our farmers to support rural business and help farmers to diversify.
I also want to see bustling high streets and thriving local businesses. For example, our policy to abolish business rates for small businesses is just one of the proposals which Welsh Conservatives would implement to promote wealth creation and boost employment in towns like Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes and Machynlleth – allowing small businesses to free up much needed capital to hire new staff and expand by exploring new markets.
Finally, throughout my time as an Assembly Member, I have campaigned for long-overdue transport improvements to keep Montgomeryshire’s economy moving, including the Newtown bypass, a new Dyfi Bridge and the hourly train service on the Cambrian line. I will continue to campaign for further transport improvements which are essential if the Mid Wales economy is to flourish.