Agenda item

To consider the benefit of the Growth Deal for Gwynedd.

DECISION

1.     To accept the report and note the wide range of observations made, expressing dissatisfaction that some of the schemes were slow to mature, and regarding the balance between rural and urban investment.

2.     That the Committee receives a report on the Trawsfynydd Science Centre and Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub projects as soon as possible.

3.     Request an outline of the Growth Deal's cost to Cyngor Gwynedd and the outcomes for Gwynedd in terms of high-quality jobs, particularly in deprived areas.

4.     Request that future progress reports include more detail in relation to the jobs created specifically in Gwynedd, and the type of contracts.

 

The Leader of the Council presented the report noting that, following concerns raised at the Committee's June meeting when scrutinising the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community's performance report, it was intended to provide the Committee with an overview of the work of the Growth Deal and the benefit it would bring to Gwynedd. It was explained that the Growth Deal is a significant regional investment designed to strengthen the north Wales economy, create jobs, develop skills and support businesses.

It was noted that the programme included several projects across areas such as innovation, energy, digital, tourism and workforce development. It was elaborated that the report before them summarised the progress made with the relevant projects along with the highlights of quarter two, namely the period from June to September 2025. It was confirmed that an update would be given on the plans for the development of the Trawsfynydd site.

It was pointed out that this meeting was timely as the Cabinet had supported an outline business plan for the establishment of a science park in Trawsfynydd and the development of an innovation, skills and business centre there. The Committee was invited to consider the information, scrutinise progress and arrangements and make comments or recommendations to help ensure that the Growth Deal delivers the maximum benefits to the communities and people of Gwynedd.

The Head of Operations at Ambition North Wales, then took over and he thanked the member for the opportunity to present the work of the Growth Deal. A presentation was given on the main highlights during the year, including some of the latest developments since sharing the quarter two report.

It was noted that the aim of Ambition North Wales was to develop the region's economy in a sustainable way to create opportunities for people, communities and businesses. It was explained that the Growth Deal was a regional investment programme, with £240 million Government funding and a target of achieving over £1 billion investment in the region by 2036, along with the creation of up to 4,200 new jobs. It was noted that the Growth Plan was being implemented across five programmes, namely innovation in high value manufacturing, digital connectivity, agri-food and tourism, land and property and low carbon energy.

An overview of the main highlights thus far was given, namely:

-        The Growth Plan and portfolio management team had been transferred to the Corporate Joint Committee on 1 April 2025.

-        That a reserve list had been created for 17 new projects in May, and the Clean Energy Fund was launched in July.

-        The Parc Bryn Cegin Joint Venture Agreement with the Welsh Government was completed in August.

-        That the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee approved business cases for the Prince Project, the Manufacturing and Business Capability Project 5.0, North Anglesey Sites and Freeport at the October meeting.

-        In November, the CanfodAu building was officially opened along with the launch of the Academi Croeso project.

-        That the Sub-Committee approved business cases for the Port of Mostyn, Albert Gubay Business School and the Padeswood Rail Improvement Project at the December meeting.

-        Two Non-Executive Consultants were appointed to the Corporate Joint Committee in January.

It was noted that good progress had been made so far over the year. The latest situation at the end of quarter three was referred to, noting that the quarter three report had just been approved by the sub-committee. It was explained that six projects were now operational, another ten had been approved but were not yet operational, and seven were developing business cases, with six of these having already received outline approval from the sub-committee. It was noted that one project was still under review, the hydrogen hub in Holyhead, and that fifteen projects on the reserve list were competing for approximately £62 million of unallocated funding to date.

In terms of the benefits seen so far, it was noted that 49 new jobs had been created along with an additional 49 construction jobs. It was acknowledged that these numbers were low, but it was explained that the Growth Deal had faced significant delays and challenges at its start-up, including Covid, cost increases, planning problems and changes in Welsh and UK Government policies, which had had an impact on the original portfolio. It was emphasised, however, that there had been a significant increase over the last year in the number of projects approved, and that over the next few years this would translate to an increase in the number of jobs created. It was further noted that by the end of quarter three, just over £29 million would have been invested in the region, of which £26 million would be direct investment from the Growth Deal.

Responding to the Committee's particular interest in local benefits for Gwynedd, it was explained that Ambition North Wales considered each project within the Growth Deal as a regional project that contributes to the regional vision and overall targets. It was recognised, however, that there was a full understanding of Members' interest in local benefits. It was noted that the Growth Deal projects create local benefits in four main ways, namely through direct investment, through local and regional job creation, through supply chain opportunities, and through social and community benefits delivered through the projects and specifically through the procurement process.

An overview was given of the 7 projects in Gwynedd that had either received outline approval or final approval. It was noted that these included:

·       The Digital Signal Processing Centre (£3 million) and the Centre for Environmental Biotechnology (£2 million) at Bangor University,

·       Albert Gubay Business School Project (£7.3 million),

·       Responsible Adventures Project (£5.6 million),

·       Academi Croeso Cymru - Tourism Talent Network (£2 million),

·       Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub (£11.8 million) with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, and

·       Parc Bryn Cegin Project (£5.9 million). 

It was explained that these projects represent a total investment of £38.5 million of Growth Deal funding in Gwynedd, with a total investment of almost £72 million when including other funding sources. It was noted that £5.5 million of that funding had already been invested in the Digital Signal Processing Centre, the Centre for Environmental Biotechnology and in Portmeirion through the Academi Croeso project. It was noted that these projects aim to create 700 jobs over the next ten years in the region, with the majority of these likely to be in Gwynedd.

It was explained that there were four other projects or regional funds in the energy and digital areas, that were either live now or about to go live, which were seeking investment of over £51 million across the region, and they would work with businesses and communities in Gwynedd to try and secure investment as part of these funds.

It was noted that four projects within Gwynedd on the reserve list were competing for the funding that had not yet been earmarked, namely phase two of the Parc Bryn Cegin project with the Welsh Government, the Trawsfynydd Centre for Innovation, Business and Skills, Bangor Health Hub and the 'Quarry Battery' project.

It was confirmed that some of the projects on the reserve list, such as the Trawsfynydd scheme, could be subject to a separate report for closer scrutiny in due course as the details mature and move through the North Wales Ambition processes.

During the discussion, the following observations were made: -

The arrangements for prioritising projects were questioned and what process was in place to decide which projects were prioritised over others. In response, it was noted: -

-        That several processes had been carried out over the years to appoint projects for the Growth Deal, including a process earlier in the year to appoint projects on the reserve list.

-        That a thorough process of analysing project information was being carried out.

-        The three main factors underpinning the decisions included the contribution of the projects towards the targets in terms of creating jobs and securing investment for the region, the wider benefits that the projects could offer to the region, and the level of maturity and readiness of the projects to move forward to deliver.

-        The last factor was particularly important given the delays that had occurred during the first five years of the Growth Deal, and the challenges faced with some projects.

-        The implementation period was originally 15 years, but 10 years was now available to deliver the projects and secure the benefits of the Growth Deal.

The long-term vision of the Growth Deal was questioned. In response, it was noted that there was a clear vision to grow the economy in a sustainable manner and create opportunities across the region and sectors. It was emphasised that the Growth Deal was only one source of funding within a more complex funding system now, and that it would be important to ensure that diverse funding streams work together rather than compete against each other. It was emphasised that there was a significant opportunity in north Wales over the coming years to take advantage of the Growth Deal, the Free Port project, the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, the Artificial Intelligence Growth Zones, and potential developments at Wylfa. It was noted that the important role of Ambition North Wales as a regional body was to ensure that these investments together add value and deliver across the region.

The amount of money contributed by the Council towards the realisation of the Growth Deal was questioned. In response, the Head of Economy and Community noted that specific figures were not to hand but could be provided following the meeting. It was explained that all councils and partners within Ambition North Wales, including the universities and colleges, contribute annually to the running costs of the programme, which are the resources and staff within Ambition North Wales working on the Growth Deal. It was elaborated that partners were also contributing towards future borrowing costs, as borrowing would be needed in the short term to enable projects to move forward before the funding from both Governments is received for the period.

The Leader of the Council noted that an underspend had been identified at a recent meeting of the Ambition North Wales Board. Disappointment was expressed about this, particularly at a time when councils and other departments were facing overspending and significant pressures on local government budgets. A personal disappointment was expressed, and on behalf of Gwynedd Councillors and members of the Committee, that the Trawsfynydd scheme had slipped onto the reserve list. The view was expressed that that project should be a priority for Gwynedd, specifically for south Meirionnydd.

In response, it was noted that only capital funding was available through the Growth Deal, and there was no funding available for the implementation and running of the schemes. It was elaborated that this was why the partners needed to invest in setting up the programme office in the first place to be able to develop the schemes. It was confirmed that further details would be shared with Committee members in due course regarding Trawsfynydd.

Comments were made by a member based on experience of being part of the North Wales Ambition Board, noting that the Board was a partnership between the six counties, colleges and the private sector, and that it was set up years ago to take advantage of the UK Government's scheme with subsequent Welsh Government contribution. It was noted that the Growth Deal had been on a long and challenging journey, and that sustaining such partnerships was a significant challenge, particularly given the need to maintain a partnership between the two Governments.

Attention was drawn to the fact that both Governments had submitted plans that overlapped with the Ambition Board's plans, such as the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone and the Wylfa developments, which did not exist at the start of the journey. The view was expressed that this confused the picture and made it difficult for the Board to establish itself as a body capable of acting for the benefit of all counties in north Wales.

It was noted that it was a matter for Councillors and politicians to consider the future vision, especially in view of the Senedd elections. Reference was made to discussions about the creation of an economic development body like the former Welsh Development Agency across north Wales and the possibility of establishing some sort of body to boost the rural economy. The view was expressed that it was important to consider what messages should be conveyed to a new Government in Cardiff, whoever would be in power.

It was noted that these external interventions posed the greatest challenge to the work of the Ambition Board, and that natural tension existed as everyone was trying to get the best for their own county. The view was expressed that some counties, due to the external interventions, had received a good proportion of the benefits to date, and that Gwynedd would need to be prepared to get the most out of the partnership. It was noted that this was an important partnership, and the view was expressed that the North Wales Ambition partnership should have a budget from both Governments without any restraint, so that it could make its own decisions for the region and devolve power to the region.

A member expressed disappointment at the long time it took for the projects to become operational and bear fruit. Specific reference was made to plans for Gwynedd, noting that there was nothing at all for the south of Gwynedd. It was requested that Trawsfynydd be given due attention. Disappointment was noted that the scheme was on the reserve list and its importance in securing benefits for south Gwynedd was emphasised. They were asked about the very low number of jobs created to date, asking how many of those had been created within Ambition North Wales and its own management team. In response, it was noted: -

-        That the disappointment about the development speed of some projects was acknowledged.

-        There was a feeling that the situation had turned a corner in the last 12 months, and it was hoped that the picture would be more positive the next time a report was presented.

-        Of the 49 jobs created, only seven of those were within Ambition North Wales, as only permanent jobs were included in the official figures.

-        That there were more jobs within Ambition North Wales, but that many of those were temporary posts as the Corporate Joint Committee did not have a central budget from the Welsh Government.

The Leader of the Council noted that she had raised issues relating to jobs at the Board meetings, and that this had received attention. The view was expressed that the job figure needed to be further refined, asking whether they were full-time jobs, permanent jobs, and at what salary level they were. It was noted that, in relation to Trawsfynydd, support for the work there was very valuable, and it was expressed that the Cabinet's decision was a positive step. The view was expressed that the Council's investment in that area was innovative and an opportunity for Gwynedd to take matters into its own hands rather than waiting for the UK Government to decide on matters for the region. It was noted that the Committee's support helped to shift the focus away from the A55 corridor and to secure benefits for south Gwynedd.

Appreciation was expressed for the comments made by the Leader of the Council in relation to efforts to fight for Gwynedd, but dissatisfaction was noted with the responses given regarding prioritisation, stressing that this was not a personal fault but rather a reflection of the terms of reference the Government had set. It was pointed out that prioritising projects based on job creation meant that projects in the south of the county were at a disadvantage, as it would never be realistic for them to create hundreds or thousands of jobs.

The view was expressed that 10 or 15 jobs in rural wards such as Harlech, Llanbedr or other areas could be equally valuable to the local economy and proportionate to thousands of jobs in Wrexham. It was therefore noted that it was difficult to see a direct benefit to those areas from hearing about major investments along the A55 corridor or in Flintshire and Wrexham. Reference was made to other significant investments by the Welsh Government in an improved transport system in the east, and the view was expressed that the same kind of consideration would be due to transport lines between Wrexham, Harlech and Tywyn.

Disappointment was expressed that Trawsfynydd was now on the reserve list. It was noted that there was no reference in the report to investment in Meirionnydd other than Trawsfynydd, and Llanbedr airfield was mentioned as a key site for future investment. Reference was made to the significant investments already made by the Government in Llanbedr, and disappointment was noted that Ambition North Wales had not highlighted the importance of the Llanbedr bypass to the region's economy.

The view was expressed that the region was so large that the phrase "what's best for the region" did not mean much to areas such as south Meirionnydd, as it was that area that was losing young people in their hundreds to look for work elsewhere. It was noted that this was leading to an influx of older people and increasing pressure on services, and it was therefore emphasised that investment in south Meirionnydd and rural areas of Gwynedd was crucial. The view was expressed that jobs in the east or in Bangor served areas where a population already lived, but that the greatest need for jobs was in the rural areas of the region. In response, it was noted: -

-        There had been significant challenges in bringing projects forward in more rural areas compared to more industrialised areas, particularly in terms of meeting targets around job creation and the size of investment.

-        Discussions were underway with both Governments to see if greater flexibility could be achieved within the region to invest in projects that looked at inclusive growth.

-        That ambition North Wales are looking in to commissioning a piece of work to create evidence to underline the exact point made about the value of creating fewer jobs in rural areas compared to urban and industrial areas.

-        That one way was to try to simplify the process and make it easier for communities and businesses across north Wales to benefit from Growth Deal funding through the digital and energy funds, without having to meet the same level of targets in terms of investment and jobs.

Regarding Trawsfynydd, it was explained that there had been a significant change in what was being offered there since the Growth Deal was first established, and this was the main reason for the delay. It was emphasised that Ambition North Wales was very supportive of the proposal developed by Gwynedd for the centre in Trawsfynydd, and that the site was of strategic importance not only for Gwynedd, but for the whole of north Wales. It was noted that the Trawsfynydd site was an opportunity to change the narrative from being a decommissioned site that was closing to a growth site, with the potential to attract several future investments.

The fact that the Gwynedd Cabinet had approved the Trawsfynydd business case was welcomed. It was noted that there was a further process to be followed to assess whether the business case stood up, and if so, it would be submitted to the sub-committee for a decision. In relation to transport issues and the Llanbedr bypass, it was noted that officers were looking at these issues and in discussions with the Government. It was stressed that it was important that these points were regularly raised by the Leader of the Council in committee meetings and with Government officers.

In relation to transport, reference was made to the fact that the Growth Deal had contributed to a transport scheme in the Flintshire area. It was asked if pressure could be impressed on the Growth Deal to contribute to the Llanbedr bypass. It was noted that Ken Skates MP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales at the time, had indicated that the bypass would cost around £55 million and that he expected the Corporate Joint Committee to contribute that amount. The view was expressed that this would be very difficult, but that attracting funding from different sources could help to reach the total, and a contribution from the Growth Deal would be a significant help.

In response, the Council Leader noted that those points were consistently made at Ambition Board meetings. It was highlighted that the Cambrian Railway line, as well as the main railway line along the coast, was vital to the area and to north Wales. Support was expressed for the points regarding Llanbedr, and it was noted that she had already invited the other five council leaders to visit Llanbedr. It was stressed that nothing made the case stronger than seeing the situation locally, and the economic difference the plan could make. It was confirmed that an invitation had already been extended to the Ambition Board and the Corporate Joint Committee to visit Llanbedr.

It was asked how much money Gwynedd would receive from all north Wales funding. It was further asked how much attention had been given to the poorer areas, such as Blaenau Ffestiniog, when making decisions. It was highlighted that the area was among the three poorest areas in north Wales, and it was asked what kind of investment was being made in the area and why more consideration had not been given to the situation there.

The view was expressed that Blaenau Ffestiniog and other areas of Gwynedd were being hit hard by a lack of investment, and that a lack of work meant that young people were leaving, and the Welsh language was declining as a result. The view was expressed that if the targets of the Growth Deal involved improving the economy for people, more emphasis should be given to the poorest areas. It was emphasised that there was a lack of equity within the current priorities of the Growth Deal. It was further noted that there was no clear timetable in the programme but only references to quarters. The view was expressed that a full plan was needed to manage projects correctly and avoid delays to projects as had been seen. In response, it was noted: -

-        It was agreed that investing in poorer and more deprived areas was crucial.

-        The fact that a project comes from a more deprived area or near such an area was one of the wider factors that would be considered when assessing the benefit and impact of the project.

-        That the role of Ambition North Wales involved funding projects, not developing projects from scratch.

-        That the door was always open to any projects from any area of north Wales, and Ambition North Wales would work together to see if they could be funded through the Growth Deal or, if not, help identify other available sources of funding.

-        There were challenges for such areas to bring forward projects that would fit within the framework set for the Growth Deal.

-        That the sub-committee and officers must operate within the framework agreed with the Welsh Government and the UK Government, as it was their funding that was being invested.

Reference was made to the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub and the sheep's milk scheme, asking whether this was now complete and, if so, whether an update on its benefit to the community could be obtained at a meeting later in the year. A question was also asked about low carbon performance. Reference was made to a recent open meeting with Professor Prysor Williams of Bangor University, and the view was expressed that Gwynedd could have missed an opportunity by not looking at this field more broadly. In response, it was noted: -

-        That the sheep dairy element has been approved within the Glynllifon project.

-        Further elements were part of the project, including a cattle dairy.

-        That a north Wales company, OBR, has been appointed to carry out the sheep dairy work.

-        An initial event to launch the work was scheduled for the following week.

-        That a report to the Committee could be tailored in due course to provide a full update on the dairy and what this would mean for the industry.

-        That this was an exciting development for north Wales, and something new for the agricultural sector.

-        The aim was to share information with farmers in north Wales about various ideas to diversify, providing them with new options for alternative sources of income in challenging times.

It was asked whether data or figures were available regarding Gwynedd's position with the benefits that the Growth Deal brings to the area, and whether there were targets to be improved to realise the ambition for the county. In response, it was noted that targets had not been set for individual councils as the Growth Deal targets were on a regional basis. It was emphasised that the Growth Deal was a regional investment programme, and this was what was being reported back to the sub-committee and both Governments.

It was elaborated that 24 of the 49 jobs created to date had been created in Gwynedd, as the first two projects were to be implemented within the county. It was explained that the level of analysis currently available for sharing was limited due to where the projects were in their development. It was noted that six projects were now being implemented, with most of them under construction, and that they would start creating jobs once they were operational. It was emphasised that the data and information available over the next few years would increase and allow for a more detailed analysis, something to which continued attention was being given at sub-committee level.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged that Ambition North Wales works within a framework set by the UK and Welsh Governments, with targets being set at a regional level. Nevertheless, it was emphasised that this was not really government money but public money, and therefore it must be ensured that the benefits were spread across the whole of Gwynedd. In response, it was noted: -

-        Quarterly information was released based on outputs.

-        That information could be shared so that Committee members could see how the data was changing over time.

-        The team could be asked to provide more specific information, for example how many of those jobs were in Gwynedd, so that the information was available to members.

-        That programmes were available to support businesses to look at carbon conversion, and the details could be shared.

It was asked what difference the election in Wales would make to Ambition North Wales. It was further asked whether there was any collaboration between north and mid Wales, noting that residents of Meirionnydd often felt that they were closer to mid Wales than north Wales, and therefore did not receive any benefit from the northern partnership. Frustration was expressed that everything seemed to be heading towards the A55 and Caernarfon, and it was asked if there was any co-operation between south and mid Wales in the Growth Deal. Concerns were raised about the emigration of young people from Gwynedd, the decline in the number of pupils in schools and the threat to the Welsh language as a result. It was emphasised that it would not be possible to maintain the Welsh language without securing employment for the young people of the county.

Concern was expressed about the net zero agenda, expressing views that it did more harm than good to businesses. The view was expressed that there were already enough wind turbines in the area and the member did not want to see more in case the area was over-industrialised. The view was expressed that the planning and economy departments did not work well enough together, with economy supporting one thing and then planning opposing the same development.

The Leader of the Council noted that she constantly raised points about south Gwynedd. It was explained that the picture of an economic ecosystem with prosperity in the eastern areas bringing benefits to areas in the west through jobs that can be reached via a public transport network was unfair and impractical for areas such as Pen Llŷn and Meirionnydd. It was stressed that there was a need to be pragmatic and try to get the best out of the current Growth Deal. Reference was made to the Welsh Government's Arfor scheme, expressing the view that this framework could be better suited to rural and Welsh-speaking areas. It was noted that the scheme would be likely to receive more attention in the future. In response, it was noted: -

-        That Ambition North Wales was ready to work with any new Government.

-        That there had been no change to the Growth Deal agreed in 2020, despite the changes that had already taken place in the UK Government since then.

-        That Ambition North Wales works very closely with the Mid Wales Growth Deal, and that many of the challenges they faced were like those faced in rural areas of north Wales.

-        That collaboration had taken place between the two bodies to secure 'Innovate UK' funding for the 'Launchpad' project.

-        There were opportunities within the net zero agenda to create high-value skills and jobs that could keep young people in the region.

-        That work was underway with partners such as the North Wales Skills Partnership, not only to create jobs but also to train young people and to ensure that young people were aware of the opportunities available in the region's economy.

-        That young people were likely to leave for new experiences, whether abroad or across the border, but attracting them back was important.

Regarding the 'Launchpad' project, it was noted that the project was a collaboration with Tyfu Canolbarth Cymru, Aberystwyth University and M-SParc. It was explained that the aim was to foster innovation within the agri-food and technology cluster in north and mid Wales, and to enable small companies in both regions to develop, nurture ideas and strengthen to enable them to attract more funding from sources from organisations such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). ⁠It was confirmed that the project had been running for over a year and remained strong, with an event scheduled in Aberystwyth at the start of March.

It was emphasised that the Trawsfynydd project should be removed from the reserve list. Further explanation was sought regarding the new jobs figures within the report and protected jobs. It was asked whether comments could be included by an external review by both Governments in the quarterly reports. It was further questioned whether comparative data on the number of jobs created in other regions of Wales could be included to put the situation in context. In response, it was noted:-

-        Only permanent jobs were counted within the Government's targets, i.e. 49 jobs.

-        That the construction jobs were in addition to the permanent jobs identified, and they were important jobs but were not part of the official targets.

-        Protected jobs were also an area of interest but were not part of the Government's targets.

-        That the UK Government had a very tight definition of what exactly 'protected jobs' were, namely that a job would have to be at risk of disappearing within 12 months to be counted.

-        That technical reasons made it difficult for businesses or bodies such as universities to formally confirm this.

-        A detailed vetting process would be required even if a project would report that jobs had been protected, to ensure that it fits the UK Government's definition.

-        That there were four growth plans in Wales, and that they all report regularly to their own boards, with the information publicly available on their websites.

-        Links to those websites could be shared, but it was noted that it would not be appropriate for Ambition North Wales to repeat or interpret that data in its own reports.

Reference was made to an inconsistency within the report relating to the 'Responsible Adventures' project, requesting confirmation as to whether the e-bus element remained an element of the project. In response, it was confirmed that the e-bus element was no longer part of the scheme and that the documents would be corrected to show this in due course.

It was questioned that, from a commitment to high quality jobs, how many of the jobs would be on zero-hour contracts within the 'Responsible Adventures' project. In response, it was noted: -

-        The information would be refined in more detail once a full business case was presented to the Board.

-        A detailed overview of the nature of the jobs, including the contracting arrangements, would be sought at that time.

-        This was the basis for the sub-committee to decide whether the investment should go ahead.

-        That the intention of the project included extending the tourist season and creating more jobs throughout the year.

-        That 'Zip World' was committed to the Academi Croeso project, which would create more apprenticeship opportunities.

-        That work had been underway with local communities to provide more opportunities through employment sharing, further academy and collaboration with local schools.

-        All these details would be included in the business cases to assess the quality of the jobs that would be created.

It was noted by the member that she understood that the percentage of zero-hour contracts was perhaps as high as 80%. In response, it was noted that information derived from the outline business case suggested that around 50% of the jobs created were likely to be zero-hour contract jobs.

RESOLVED

 

1.     To accept the report and note the wide range of observations made, expressing dissatisfaction that some of the schemes were slow to mature, and regarding the balance between rural and urban investment.

2.     That the Committee receives a report on the Trawsfynydd Science Centre and Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub projects as soon as possible.

3.     Request an outline of the Growth Deal's cost to Cyngor Gwynedd and the outcomes for Gwynedd in terms of high-quality jobs, particularly in deprived areas.

4.     Request that future progress reports include more detail in relation to the jobs created specifically in Gwynedd and include the type of contracts.