Commenting on the 2016 Queen’s Speech, Liz Maher, president of the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The current political stalemate around the proposed M4 relief road has thrown the spotlight on transport as a key issue for Wales that will have a huge bearing on our economic prosperity. While we welcome Westminster’s move to devolve further transport powers to the Assembly, we need the political leadership here in Wales to reach an agreement on the relief road as a project that will deliver improvements to both interregional and international trade links that are vital for economic success.
“The UK-wide Digital Economy Bill, providing residents with the legal right to high-speed broadband connection, is particularly welcomed by our members as this is something we have been calling for in Wales over a number of years. With this Bill in place, the new Welsh Government will be forced to accelerate its plans to introduce Superfast broadband right across Wales and address the issue of poor digital connectivity that far too many households and businesses still currently face.
“Scrapping the need for a referendum on the devolution of income tax raising powers removes another potential hurdle to a move that could bring advantages to the Welsh economy. However, any changes to the tax system should be carefully considered and implemented with caution to ensure that Wales moves forward on a path to sustained economic growth.”