While Labour MPs hailed the investment as “transformational” and a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity”, opposition councillors in Bridgend voiced frustration that their county had received far less than neighbouring areas.
Swansea
Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, said:
“We have won something rare – a massive, over £20 million, long‑term investment in Swansea. This is our chance for people to get involved in improving our city, from regenerating our city centre to boosting all our high streets.”
Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, added:
“Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the government has decided to do this differently. This is our chance to improve our area by making the big decisions for ourselves.”
Council leader Rob Stewart also welcomed the funding, describing it as “great to see this investment coming to Swansea” and urging that Wales must not be left worse off after Brexit.
Neath Port Talbot
Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg, said the £20m for Neath Port Talbot was:
“A once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to invest in our communities. It will be up to all of us to decide how exactly this money is spent – not politicians in London, but local residents, right here in Aberafan Maesteg.”
Carmarthenshire
Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, welcomed the £20m for Carmarthenshire, saying:
“This £20 million of new funding will change lives over the next decade and be spent where local people need it most. Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the UK Labour Government has decided to do this differently.”
Pembrokeshire
Henry Tuffnell, MP for Mid & South Pembrokeshire, highlighted the £1.5m allocation as:
“A valuable boost for regenerating our local areas, and I’ll be working with Pembrokeshire County Council to make sure that money is used in the best way possible for our community.”
Bridgend
Chris Elmore, MP for Bridgend, announced:
“£3 million from the UK Labour Government for our communities – and you get to help decide how it’s spent. This is a huge opportunity to shape the future of Bridgend and Porthcawl together.”
But the award has drawn criticism locally.
Independent councillor Steven Bletsoe said:
“£3m is very welcome investment into our town centres and that money needs to be wisely spent. But how on earth are we getting eight times less than Aberavon and Maesteg? I simply cannot comprehend this.”
A spokesperson for the Bridgend Independent Group added:
“Of course we welcome an additional £3m but once again Bridgend gets treated less favourably than our neighbours. Maybe our MP should spend less time having photos taken and more time fighting for his constituency.”
