Context
The question follows the Secretary of State's announcement about the industrial strategy and its potential benefits for Wales. It references specific industries in Wrexham like Kellogg’s and Hydro Aluminium.
Question
I totally agree with my right hon. Friend; this Government’s industrial strategy backs businesses in Wales not just with words, but with action and billions of pounds of investment over the next decade. In Wrexham, we are fortunate to have fantastic businesses, such as Kellogg’s and Hydro Aluminium among others, which have exciting ambitions for high-tech expansion. One barrier that needs to be overcome is sufficient power supply to the industrial and trading estates where they are based. Will the Secretary of State please update me on how the strategic sites accelerator will support them in doing so and the proposed timeline for its implementation?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)
I thank my hon. Friend warmly for his question. The strategic sites accelerator will prepare and accelerate sites for development by using Government tools, such as land acquisition, planning certainty and infrastructure support, to overcome existing barriers to investment on sites. It is designed to create jobs, attract investment and support our industrial and net zero priorities. This programme will work alongside other initiatives like the connections accelerator service which will streamline grid connections for major investment projects. The Office for Investment is working jointly with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Ofgem to take this vital work forward. I expect capital to be deployed initially under this programme in 2026-27.
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