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RESOLVED: • That the verbal progress report from officers on the Regional Transport Plan development, be noted. • That the Regional Transport Plan Year 1 Investment Programme, and the Years 2 and 3 rollover funding ask of Welsh Government, be approved. • That the list of schemes that could be progressed if additional Regional Transport Fund grant were to be made available, be approved. • That the latest Welsh Government position on grant funding and the ongoing evolution of the Grants Modernisation process, be noted. • That delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the SWWCJC Chair and the Chair of the SWWCJC Transport Subcommittee, to make minor textual amendments to the Regional Transport Plan Year 1 Investment Programme and the Years 2 and 3 rollover funding ask of Welsh Government prior to submission on 30th January 2026.
RESOLVED: • That the governance arrangements for the LIPF application, with Neath Port Talbot Council as Lead Bidder, be approved; • That the ‘SWW Industrial Resilience’ South West Wales LIPF application be approved as the only South West Wales bid to be submitted to UKRI under the LIPF competed strand; • That it be approved that Neath Port Talbot Council be granted delegated authority to enter into any agreements with UKRI post submission of the application.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
RESOLVED: • That the budget requirement for the Joint Committee, £1,149,715 as set out in Appendix B of the circulated report (Requested Budget with minimum Strategic Planning allocation), be approved • That the Levy Charge, based on population to the constituent authorities, be approved as follows: Local Authority Levy 2026/27 £ City and County of Swansea Council (Levy) 232,414 Carmarthenshire County Council (Levy) 176,458 Neath Port Talbot CBC (Levy) 132,481 Pembrokeshire County Council (Levy) 116,308 Pembrokeshire Coast NPA (Levy) 654 Brecon Beacons NPA (Levy) 144
RESOLVED: That the proposed Corporate priorities and associated actions for 2026/27, be approved.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: • That the verbal progress report from officers on the Regional Transport Plan development, be noted. • That the Regional Transport Plan Year 1 Investment Programme, and the Years 2 and 3 rollover funding ask of Welsh Government, be approved. • That the list of schemes that could be progressed if additional Regional Transport Fund grant were to be made available, be approved. • That the latest Welsh Government position on grant funding and the ongoing evolution of the Grants Modernisation process, be noted. • That delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the SWWCJC Chair and the Chair of the SWWCJC Transport Subcommittee, to make minor textual amendments to the Regional Transport Plan Year 1 Investment Programme and the Years 2 and 3 rollover funding ask of Welsh Government prior to submission on 30th January 2026.
The Committee was presented with the Regional Transport Plan (RTP) Year 1 Investment Programme, which represented the next stage following approval of the RTP. The report set out proposals for the allocation of funding for Year 1, with the appendices also providing indicative investment plans for Years 2 and 3. It was reported that the Chief Executive of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) had written to fellow Chief Officers confirming that the RTP was now a live policy document and should be taken into account in planning, economic, environmental, and related decision-making across constituent authorities. Officers confirmed that the focus of the report was the Year 1 investment programme, alongside the identification of larger schemes that could be rolled forward into Years 2 and 3; these schemes were detailed within the appendices of the circulated report. Members were advised that the current position of Welsh Government was that funding for Years 2 and 3 would be committed as part of the decision on the Year 1 allocation. It was noted that whilst this position remained subject to change, projects that could take multiple years to deliver will receive funding allocations; this was welcomed as positive news for the region’s larger schemes. The circulated report set out the proposed base budget submission of £24.3million, alongside anticipated additional contributions from sources such as planning gain, UK Government funding streams, and potential Regional Growth Fund support; these investment funds could help to address a shortfall of £600k. The appendices to the circulated report also explored a larger potential programme budget, following an invitation from the Cabinet Secretary to consider how an additional £11million, representing a 40% uplift, could be utilised. It was stated that, following discussions with the SWWCJC, Regional Transport Sub Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Sub Committee, the proposal was to allocate 50% of any additional funding received to the Metro programme, which was identified as a critical regional priority; this included both rail-related projects supporting Welsh Government delivery and regional Metro elements such as bus infrastructure and interchange facilities. Officers highlighted that the remaining 50% could be used to accelerate delivery of smaller schemes currently programmed for Years 2 and 3, bringing them forward where possible to Year 1 to reduce future pressures and support early delivery. Members were informed of a late addition to the submission, arising from a Welsh Government requirement to identify additional schemes equivalent to a 10% contingency on top of the base £24.3million budget. It was proposed that, should this contingency funding be made available, it be allocated to Metro schemes, reflecting the region’s priority to progress the Metro as efficiently and rapidly as possible. It was noted that the programme was approaching the appointment of a secondee to support initial administration, enabling the ability to move into the mobilisation phase. The Chairperson referred to correspondence received from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, which commended the work undertaken on the draft RTP and expressed anticipation of receiving the final version; the Cabinet Secretary had also emphasised the importance of collaborative working to secure funding from a range of sources, including the Local Growth Fund, and welcomed continued progress on development of the South West Wales Metro. A question was raised regarding risks and safeguarding, and decision-making responsibility in relation to base budgets and ongoing expenditure, particularly in the context of the forthcoming elections and potential ministerial changes. In response, it was explained that Welsh Government officials were focused on ensuring that the transport submission was communicated to the Treasury in Cardiff Bay as part of the Welsh Government budget process, ahead of the pre-election period. It was stated that the election timetable had sharpened timescales, with an announcement on funding expected in early March, rather than later in the financial year, due to pre-election restrictions. It was noted that confirmation of the base budget would allow mobilisation to proceed. It was also highlighted that the region had access to existing resource pools, including established civil engineering frameworks, enabling rapid mobilisation should additional funding be confirmed. Health Board colleagues referred to their submission to the RTP consultation that was held in August 2024, highlighting that patient and service user feedback consistently identified sustainable travel and transport access as a priority, particularly in deprived and rural areas. Members sought clarity on how these issues had been addressed within the plan. In response to the above, it was noted that extensive engagement had taken place during preparation of the RTP and the scope of delivery remained closely linked to funding availability. Bus franchising was identified as a key challenge, particularly for healthcare access, and work was ongoing to strengthen bus connectivity to health facilities; engagement had also taken place with other health partners regarding future service delivery models, with support expressed for more town-centre-based provision aligned with improved transport hubs. The importance of car parking management at healthcare sites was acknowledged, including longstanding proposals relating to Morriston Hospital access. It was noted that further detail on healthcare impacts would be confirmed once the funding settlement was known, drawing on the impact assessments already undertaken. Officers confirmed that public transport, bus services, rural connectivity, and demand-responsive transport had featured strongly in consultation feedback. It was acknowledged that transport policy and demand were not static; the programme would therefore continue to be reviewed and refreshed in response to funding levels, emerging initiatives, and evolving regional needs. RESOLVED: • That the verbal progress report from officers on the Regional Transport Plan development, be noted. • That the Regional Transport Plan Year 1 Investment Programme, and the Years 2 and 3 rollover funding ask of Welsh Government, be approved. • That the list of schemes that could be progressed if additional Regional Transport Fund grant were to be made available, be approved. • That the latest Welsh Government position on grant funding and the ongoing evolution of the Grants Modernisation process, be noted. • That delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the SWWCJC Chair and the Chair of the SWWCJC Transport Subcommittee, to make minor textual amendments to the Regional Transport Plan Year 1 Investment Programme and the Years 2 and 3 rollover funding ask of Welsh Government prior to submission on 30th January 2026.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: • That the governance arrangements for the LIPF application, with Neath Port Talbot Council as Lead Bidder, be approved; • That the ‘SWW Industrial Resilience’ South West Wales LIPF application be approved as the only South West Wales bid to be submitted to UKRI under the LIPF competed strand; • That it be approved that Neath Port Talbot Council be granted delegated authority to enter into any agreements with UKRI post submission of the application.
Members were provided with an overview of the South West Wales application to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF). Members were advised that, in October 2025, UKRI launched the £500 million LIPF revenue programme, to be delivered over five years; the programme comprised of two strands: an earmarked strand and a competed strand. It was mentioned that Cardiff Capital Region was successful under the earmarked strand; regions not included in that strand were invited to apply through the competed strand. It was acknowledged that South West Wales had a strong research and innovation cluster, supported by established governance arrangements and innovation ecosystems. On that basis, it was explained that regional partners had come together to submit a bid focused on industrial resilience, with a particular emphasis on energy security and material security. The objectives of the LIPF were outlined, including growing high‑potential innovation clusters, strengthening local innovation ecosystems, and supporting place‑based partnerships. It was noted that the fund focused on near‑market commercialisation, with expected outputs including enhanced research and development, innovation infrastructure, job creation, and private sector investment leverage; the latter of which was identified as a critical element of the bid. Officers added that the intended outcomes included increased investment attraction and improved productivity. Officers explained that the application process comprised of two stages and required evidence of a functional “triple helix” partnership between government, academia, and industry, underpinned by clear governance, capability, and a demonstrable track record. It was emphasised that the process was highly competitive and that the application needed to present a compelling case, supported by robust evidence of regional strength. The circulated report highlighted five key areas to be addressed within the initial submission, which was required by 12 February 2026; these included the articulation of a clear strategic vision and identification of priority clusters, confirmation of governance and leadership arrangements, and evidence of operational capability. Officers mentioned that the proposed activities for funding included research commercialisation, business growth, and innovation-led development. In relation to governance, it was proposed that Neath Port Talbot Council act as lead bidder on behalf of the South West Wales region; a project board had been established comprising representatives from Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire local authorities, academic partners from Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and industry partners including Net Zero Industry Wales. It was mentioned that Welsh Government were on board in an observer capacity to support coordination across Wales. The Committee was informed that Net Zero Industry Wales had commissioned BIC Innovation to prepare and coordinate the bid. It was noted that while the original working title was “South West Wales Industrial Resilience”, advice from the Private Sector Advisory Board had led to the title being updated to “South West Wales Industrial Resilience and Innovation” to better reflect the region’s forward‑looking innovation ambitions; the proposal built on the region’s potential to establish itself as a clean energy transition hub while remaining a cornerstone of the UK industrial base, with a focus on energy and material security aligned to the South Wales Industrial Cluster. It was explained that for the February submission, a high‑level overview of the proposed project portfolio was required. Officers stated that an expression of interest process had been undertaken, closing on 9 January 2026, which had generated 50 submissions from across academia, industry, and regional energy teams; a meeting was scheduled to prioritise these applications. It was noted that, if successful at stage one, a full portfolio submission would be required in May or June 2026. Swansea Bay University Health Board expressed willingness to provide a health needs assessment, recognising the potential direct and indirect population health benefits of the programme. It was reported that, following discussion at the Private Sector Advisory Board, proposals for an anchor investment fund linked to the Regional Economic Delivery Plan would be further developed through a dedicated working group, ensuring that the design of the fund was informed by industry needs. Strong support for the bid was expressed by academic partners, including the Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, who emphasised the institution’s commitment to supporting the initiative. It was confirmed that Swansea University and University of Wales Trinty Saint David were represented on the project board, with additional academic input provided by Cardiff University and the University of South Wales; the addition of the input from Local Authority partners and Net Zero Industry Wales formed the “triple helix” partnership. Members expressed their concerns in relation to the high-level visibility of the proposal thus far, highlighting the need to have sight of these matters early on in the process in order to maximise opportunities. It was acknowledged that this stage represented an expression of interest and that full details and opportunity for discussion would be provided as this work progresses. The Committee discussed the potential value of establishing an early “checkpoint” or pre‑inception panel for future regional funding opportunities, enabling partners to identify emerging programmes, agree regional priorities, and ensure early engagement across sectors. Officers provided assurances that Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, as lead bidder, had undertaken early checks in relation to revenue implications and ongoing costs. It was confirmed that, following the publication of UKRI guidance in October 2025, the proposal had been shared with regional leads and progressed through established governance structures, including regional directors and the Private Sector Advisory Board. While this was the first occasion on which the proposal had been presented to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, due to programme timescales, assurances were provided that appropriate initial checkpoints had been completed. The Chair emphasised the importance of the additional regional oversight in ensuring that the bid fully reflected collective regional capacity and maximised the opportunity for success. RESOLVED: • That the governance arrangements for the LIPF application, with Neath Port Talbot Council as Lead Bidder, be approved; • That the ‘SWW Industrial Resilience’ South West Wales LIPF application be approved as the only South West Wales bid to be submitted to UKRI under the LIPF competed strand; • That it be approved that Neath Port Talbot Council be granted delegated authority to enter into any agreements with UKRI post submission of the application.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The Committee received the Quarter 3 Financial Monitoring report for the year ended 2025/256. Officers explained that there had been some variations within the budget, which was expected given that the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) remained in a development phase and continued to evolve throughout the year. It was noted that certain changes had arisen since the original budget was set, including the agreed appointment of a Chief Operating Officer, which had not been anticipated at the time of budget approval. In addition, commitments had been made to initiatives such as the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF) and the Western Gateway. It was highlighted that an underspend had been identified within Democratic Services and governance budgets; this was attributed to several factors, including reduced demand on finance resources compared with initial expectations. Members were advised that some additional expenditure had occurred; however, this had been offset by income secured during the year; several grants had been successfully obtained, including £200,000 to support work on the Regional Transport Plan. It was also reported that a small amount of interest income had been received, which had not been included in the original budget. Variations within the workstream budgets were noted, partly as a result of grant-funded activity. It was mentioned that work on strategic planning had commenced and was being funded through the planning programme budget allocated at the start of the financial year. The Committee were advised that Officers originally anticipated that approximately £153k would be drawn from reserves; however, this had not been required. It was noted that some workstream activity was expected to carry forward into future years, and the higher-than-anticipated balance would allow this to be accommodated. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: • That the budget requirement for the Joint Committee, £1,149,715 as set out in Appendix B of the circulated report (Requested Budget with minimum Strategic Planning allocation), be approved • That the Levy Charge, based on population to the constituent authorities, be approved as follows: Local Authority Levy 2026/27 £ City and County of Swansea Council (Levy) 232,414 Carmarthenshire County Council (Levy) 176,458 Neath Port Talbot CBC (Levy) 132,481 Pembrokeshire County Council (Levy) 116,308 Pembrokeshire Coast NPA (Levy) 654 Brecon Beacons NPA (Levy) 144
Officers presented Members with the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) draft budget options for the 2026/27 financial year, which included the proposed levy charges to the constituent authorities. By way of background, it was recalled that when the budget was set in the previous year, it reflected the funding requests submitted by the workstreams at that time; the intention had been to limit increases in the levy and to utilise reserves over a three-year period in order to maintain the levy at a reasonable level. As a result, it was stated that the levy had been set slightly below the preceding year, while still meeting the agreed objectives. Officers mentioned that this approach had rolled forward, with a continued commitment to utilise a proportion of balances over the next few years, whilst retaining sufficient reserves to respond to anticipated changes in the SWWCJC’s role. It was added that the budget was considered within a three-year framework. The financial outlook set out in the report presented two budget options; these options had been discussed in December 2025 and were subsequently considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Sub Committee earlier in the month. It was stated that Welsh Government grant funding was also reflected within the budget. Officers confirmed the levels of funding received in recent years in respect of the Regional Transport Plan; and was anticipated that Welsh Government would provide a further £100k in the next financial year towards the Regional Transport Grant. In addition, the Capacity and Capability Improvement Grant had been secured for a three-year period. Members were reminded that the appointment of the Chief Operating Officer had previously been reported through budget monitoring, and that the associated salary costs had now been incorporated into the budget on an ongoing basis. A discussion took place in regard to some of the budget adjustments that had been made to a number of functions. It was noted that local authority support services reflected a 4% increase in line with salary inflation; an indicative 5.5% increase advised by Audit Wales had been included, alongside a general inflationary uplift of 3% across other budget areas. The circulated report included two appendices, Appendix A and Appendix B, which set out two alternative budget scenarios; both scenarios assumed a contribution from reserves to support the overall position, with reserve usage projected at £167k in the next year, £182k in the following year, and £197k in the third year. In respect of the Economic Well-being and Energy workstream, it was highlighted that both budget scenarios supported the requested funding of approximately £52k; with this level of support maintained across the subsequent two years. It was stated that the Strategic Planning workstream was identified as more complex due to ongoing discussions with Welsh Government regarding funding levels. Members acknowledged that further engagement with Welsh Government was required before firm decisions could be taken. Regarding the Transport workstream, Members noted the inclusion of the anticipated £100k Welsh Government grant against an estimated cost of £152k. The recommendation presented to the Committee was to consider Option 2, as set out in Appendix B detailed in the circulated report; this represented the lower-cost option and reflected the requested budget with a minimum allocation for Strategic Planning. It was explained that this approach was proposed to allow further dialogue with Welsh Government and to provide flexibility should alternative funding arrangements not be secured. The financial implications of the two options were outlined; option 1 would increase the budget to approximately £1.7 million, compared to £1.1 million under Option 2, resulting in a significant impact on levies. It was stated that option 2 would result in an estimated 18% increase in levies, which was considered manageable for constituent authorities; in contrast, Option 1 would require an increase of approximately 118%, which was regarded as unsustainable. Officers expressed the importance of retaining reserves to provide flexibility as the SWWCJC continued to develop, and to accommodate potential changes in service delivery during the year.; the retention of a financial buffer was therefore considered prudent. Members were informed that the Overview and Scrutiny Sub Committee had undertaken detailed consideration of the budget proposals and were generally supportive of Option 2, while expressing concerns regarding the long-term affordability of the Strategic Development Plan. It was further noted that the appointment of the Chief Operating Officer was also expected to influence the direction and delivery of the SWWCJC’s work, with further proposals anticipated in due course. The Chairperson of the Strategic Planning Sub-Committee highlighted that the Sub-Committee had discussed matters relating to the Strategic Development Plan, and had raised concerns regarding funding and resourcing the development plan; while the recommendation was to approve a minimum budget for Strategic Planning in order to avoid imposing excessive levies on constituent authorities, it was acknowledged the SWWCJC had a statutory duty to prepare and adopt a Strategic Development Plan. It was therefore emphasised that continued lobbying of Welsh Government at both officer and political level was essential to secure adequate funding. It was also raised that the Strategic Development Plan should be incorporated within the SWWCJC’s medium-term financial plan to ensure appropriate resourcing for its delivery. RESOLVED: • That the budget requirement for the Joint Committee, £1,149,715 as set out in Appendix B of the circulated report (Requested Budget with minimum Strategic Planning allocation), be approved • That the Levy Charge, based on population to the constituent authorities, be approved as follows: Local Authority Levy 2026/27 £ City and County of Swansea Council (Levy) 232,414 Carmarthenshire County Council (Levy) 176,458 Neath Port Talbot CBC (Levy) 132,481 Pembrokeshire County Council (Levy) 116,308 Pembrokeshire Coast NPA (Levy) 654 Brecon Beacons NPA (Levy) 144
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the proposed Corporate priorities and associated actions for 2026/27, be approved.
Members were presented with the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) proposed priorities for 2026/27. It was stated that Officers had reviewed the existing well-being objectives to determine whether they required renewal, amendment, or expansion. It was confirmed that the objectives remained appropriate and relevant, and therefore, in accordance with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Act, no further public consultation was required. Officers confirmed that they had subsequently updated the priorities and associated actions required to deliver the objectives; this work had been undertaken in consultation with key partners and Officers, with input also received from the Overview and Scrutiny Sub Committee. Members noted that the priorities and actions reflected matters already familiar to them through their roles on the SWWCJC Sub Committees. RESOLVED: That the proposed Corporate priorities and associated actions for 2026/27, be approved.
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RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Members received an overview of progress made to satisfy the functions of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC), which aligned with the three Wellbeing Objectives. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Members requested an update on the work ongoing in relation to the Celtic Freeport. The Democratic Services Officer confirmed that this would be added to the Forward Work Programme for the meeting scheduled on 24 March 2026. The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items.
There were no comments or questions received in relation to the private appendices contained within agenda item 12, therefore the meeting did not move into private session.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
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