Minutes

Councillor J. Watkins asked:

Freeport status has recently been awarded to a number of cities in England affording them great economic benefits going forward

Newport is in the race to be afforded the same status and there is a body of evidence to support an application on the city‘s behalf here in Wales.

Please give details of what this Authority is doing to support Newport becoming a Freeport with all the benefits that that will bring.

The Leader of the Council responded:

Newport City Council has appointed AECOM to assist in developing the business case for the Port of Newport achieving Freeport status. AECOM are a leading consultancy with significant specialism in ports, marine operations and economic development, and were instrumental in achieving the successful Teeside bid.

The detail on the bidding process for Wales remains unpublished, but this commission will ensure Newport’s readiness to bid once the competition opens.