Long Term Plan for Towns
In September 2023, the UK Government launched its 'Long-Term Plan for Towns', supporting 55 UK towns across the UK including four in Wales, as part of the Levelling-Up programme. Merthyr Tydfil has been selected and will receive £20 million in endowment-style funding over 10 years from 2024/25. Detailed guidance was published in December 2023 on the process for establishing a Town Board to develop and deliver a Long-Term Plan for each town.
The Town Board is to be independently chaired and be formed to represent community interests, business perspectives and public organisations. The Long-Term Plan the Board will develop must include a 10-year vision, and an initial 3-year investment plan.
The UK Government sets out the following expectations and timescales in its guidance -
As early as possible the Council is to appoint a Chair for the Town Board, doing so in consultation with local MPs.
The Council to work with the Chair to form the Town Board and for it to have its first meeting no later than 1 April 2024.
The UK Government has asked that the Long-Term Plan for Merthyr Tydfil be submitted by 1st August 2024.
Merthyr Tydfil CBC along with the independent chair are currently establishing the Board.