MONMOUTHSHIRE could benefit from a deal with Cardiff that would potentially see millions of pounds invested in the region.

In a meeting on Thursday 11th June, council leaders were invited by the Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb, to get involved with the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.

This could see investment by both central and local government – supported by private investment – to improve transport, employment and business infrastructure in the area, with Cardiff targeting a similar deal.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) leaders were involved in talks on Thursday and will discuss plans at the council's cabinet meeting today (Wednesday 17th June).

The recommendation is that the cabinet agrees to £30,300 being taken from the Priority Investment Reserve, as a contribution to an overall fund of £500,000 being established by ten councils in south east Wales, to carry out preparation work for a detailed proposal in the next 18 months.

With the investment in the region, extra jobs and apprenticeships are expected to be created as part of the planned economic growth, with new businesses coming to the area alongside the expansion of existing firms.

Cardiff's City Deal would also help with the proposed Metro transport network, which plans upgrades to railway lines in the region at the cost of more than £100 million, with Chepstow, Severn Tunnel Junction and Magor all included in the scheme.