Members of Neath Port Talbot Council were advised at a meeting of the full council on 4th September 2024 that the Council will play a key role in supporting businesses and people affected by changes at Tata Steel UK Ltd following a significant funding announcement made by the Secretary of State for Wales at the 8th meeting of the Tata Transition Board.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of the Council, welcomed the release of the initial £13.5m from the fund and said: “Our business support, employability and wider services have been supporting a growing number of businesses and individuals over recent months as the changes at the works has begun to impact. I am pleased that the new Secretary of State for Wales has taken immediate steps to release funding to enable agencies, like the Council, to gear up for the increased number of businesses and people who will need help and support in the months ahead.”
He continued: “I am also pleased that the hard work of Council officers in securing pledges of support from the wider business community, public sector partners and community organisations has been recognised. The changes at the works matter to all of us and the response of our wider community has been tremendous. I would like to place on record my thanks to everyone prepared to help those affected.”
He went on to say: “As well as focusing on those needing immediate help and support, over the coming months, I will expect the Transition Board to focus on what will be done to replace the jobs that we are losing in our local economy. This Council will need long term support from both governments to create new jobs as quickly as possible whilst also helping the Council and its partners to realise the longer term ambitions of the Celtic Freeport.”
