Cover Future freeports - Sean Benstead

The lead policy objective noted in the freeport bidding prospectus (to promote regeneration and job creation) The government wants freeports in all four nations of the has the objective of creating “thousands of high-quality UK and have negotiated in Scotland and Wales over the jobs in some of our most disadvantaged communities”. [...] This policy is regulated by the tax site authorities, who have the The LCR Freeport was developed by a consortium of partners, including the Combined Authority, the discretion to award 100% business rates relief and will consider the recommendations of the constituent local authorities, the LEP, industry bodies, education providers and local business, land and Freeport management board in conferri. [...] The three tax sites being introduced to the Freeport are South Yard, located near the port of Plymouth, Enabled by the supply of more jobs via investment through the Freeport and retained business in one of the most deprived areas of the city, Langage in a greenfield site to the east of Plymouth and rates, a skills strategy is to be implemented by a regeneration and skills group. [...] The differing priorities of the Welsh government and the doorstep of the top 3% most deprived wards in Wales and within commuting distance of some of Westminster are reflected in the language used and the priorities highlighted in the Welsh the most deprived areas in Western Europe. [...] to the needs of the local economy; • incentivise employer investment in skills and co- The value of this approach was particularly evident in invest through use of public funding including the the Celtic Freeport, although, admittedly, this could Adult Education Budget and Shared Prosperity be considered to be a reflection of the more enabling Fund; and, Welsh policy landscape.