The UK Government was elected on a manifesto to take us out of the EU and level up the UK. Levelling up means making sure that areas of the UK that have been underfunded in recent years – like Ynys Môn – get inward investment so that our young people have the same opportunities as more prosperous parts of the UK. I have been working hard to make sure that our island benefits from what is available.
There has been over £83m direct investment into Ynys Môn from the UK Government since 2020 - details of this funding is included further down this page.
However, funding and investment needs to be managed to make sure that it is the people of Ynys Môn who benefit. That is why my Local Jobs for Local People campaign is so important.
What Local Jobs for Local People means
I am showing high-quality businesses around the island - including global organisations like GE Hitachi, Rolls Royce, Bechtel and KENCO - that recognise the fantastic opportunities here and want to be part of the future of Ynys Môn.
I am asking every company that invests here to sign up to my Local Jobs for Local People campaign which means that, wherever possible, they will employ local people for the roles they offer here on Ynys Môn.
I will also be asking them to commit to promoting the use of the Welsh language amongst all those working on the island, including any employees that are not from here.
Over coming months, as businesses announce they are setting up here, you will see me asking each one to sign up to these pledges which will enhance our economy, bring prosperity to local people and increase the reach of the Welsh language.
UK Government Funding on Ynys Môn
The UK Government is replacing EU funds with new funds like the Community Renewal Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund. Local authorities can bid for funds and make decisions about how they are spent so that they can ensure that cash goes to the community projects that need it.
The Government is also keen to establish business in areas in need of levelling up to provide much-needed local employment.
So far Ynys Môn has benefitted by:
- £2.7m from the Community Renewal Fund for six local projects run by Môn CF, Anglesey Council, M-SParc and Grwp Llandrillo Menai. The money has gone to project which will create new jobs, support entrepreneurs, upskill local workers and protect our heritage and language.
- Over £16m from the Shared Prosperity Fund which which the Council will allocate to projects to benefit the local community including nearly £3m to improve adult numeracy skills.
- £17m from the Levelling Up Fund for a programme of work to regenerate Holyhead Town Centre and promote local businesses, so that both locals and visitors can enjoy our cultural heritage.
- £20m awarded for the refurbishment of Holyhead Breakwater to keep the future of the town and port secure.
- £26m initial funding for Anglesey Freeport to attract businesses to set up on the island and deliver thousands of new jobs and £1bn to the economy.
- £1m to raise the platform at Ty Croes railway station making it accessible for all.
- The new Inland Border Facility based in Holyhead.
- Over £600,000 Safer Streets funding for North Wales police to provide enhanced lighting, CCTV and other community benefits in Holyhead Town Centre.
- £50,000 awarded from the Ministry of Transport for the feasibility study into the future of the disused Gaerwen to Amlwch railway line.
- Nearly £45,000 awarded to Anglesey community projects from the National Lottery Fund in the past year.
More schemes like the Community Ownership Fund and Community Payback Scheme are being announced to give communities the opportunity to bid for money and support to save local landmarks, enhance community assets and re-establish pride of place. I am always happy to help if your community group needs more information about how to bid for funding.
