Wales’ Industrial Past: How well have former industrial areas adapted to today’s economy?
The Welsh Affairs Committee holds the next session of its inquiry into the environmental and economic legacy of Wales’ industrial past, examining how former industrial areas in Wales are adapting to today’s economy.
Meeting details
The closure of coalmines across Wales led to redundancies and long-term challenges for local communities, particularly for those in South Wales. The State of the Coalfields 2024 report stated, “the former south Wales coalfield stands out as particularly deprived”, with over two-thirds of its neighbourhoods ranked among the most deprived 30% in Wales.
The Committee will question Head of Operations Wales at the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Michelle Rowson-Woods, and Director of Industrial Communities Alliance Wales, Meirion Thomas, about the matter.
MPs are likely to ask how well former industrial areas in Wales have adapted to today’s economy and what can be done to improve economic outcomes.
The Committee is also likely to ask how UK Government initiatives, including a new local growth fund, can support regeneration.
Other topics MPs may discuss include the potential of community wealth building, the impact of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy in Wales, and how coal tip safety funding could support redevelopment.