AN estimated £1 billion City Deal for south-east Wales received further endorsement from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) yesterday (24th February).

The city deal forms an agreement between the UK Government, local governments and the Welsh Government.

It seeks to enhance transport, employment and business infrastructure in the area.

Monmouthshire will join with nine local authorities to bring the deal to fruition.

MCC’s Cabinet met in a special meeting to discuss the plans.

Leader Peter Fox said: “The city deal is an absolutely fantastic opportunity. Although it’s very fluid and evolving we’ve seen city deals emerging elsewhere in the UK. These have been transformational for their areas and empowers communities to drive economic growth.”

Deputy leader Bob Greenland said: “This is the first opportunity in Wales for a city deal, they’ve worked elsewhere throughout the UK and they have really raised the opportunities for they economies in the areas where they have been in place.

“In principle I think we would be foolish not to pursue it. It’s not just an opportunity for Cardiff but for the whole region.

“If we get these deals the advantages will radiate out from Cardiff.”

Councillor Phil Murphy said: “This is the best opportunity we’ve had in a long, long time and we should grab it with both hands.”

Cabinet met to endorse the next phase of the report which would see Cllr Fox signing the City Deal Document on behalf of MCC.

The City Deal Document will include proposals for the Cardiff City Region which will involve schemes rolled out in Monmouthshire. The document requires ’in principle’ approval from all of the ten leaders of participating local authorities.