'City deal' for Cardiff backed by local councils

Cities are being offered cash to fund major projects such as transport improvements

A campaign for a multimillion-pound "city deal" of major investment for Cardiff has won the backing of ten local councils across south east Wales.

All have committed cash to a £500,000 fund to develop a winning proposal to secure UK government funding.

They had been urged to support the "once in a generation" opportunity by Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb.

Cardiff council leader Phil Bale said such an investment could "re-boot the region's economy."

The agreement follows a meeting of council leaders with Mr Crabb in June, at which he urged them to back a bid from Cardiff for their mutual benefit.

'Huge opportunities'

The UK government has pledged to provide public money for transport schemes and other major projects that can be shown to boost a city's economy, with local councils and the Welsh government expected to make a contribution.

A £1.2bn city deal for Glasgow was clinched on the promise of cash from the Scottish government and local authorities.

Leaders of the ten councils will hold monthly meetings with Welsh government officials, and a working group has been set up to deliver a business plan.

Peter Fox, leader of Monmouthshire council, said a city deal for Cardiff would "unlock huge opportunities for the valley communities, our cities and rural counties".

Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington said such collaboration was "vital" in order to keep delivering public services and improving people's quality of life.