The construction sector makes a critically important contribution to the Welsh economy, sustaining, as it does approximately 14,000 businesses and employing around 109,000 individuals. The Construction Skills Network in their latest forecasts predicts that Wales will see unprecedented growth in construction in the period up to 2021.

Our approach to economic development is set out in the economic action plan and our national strategy, 'Prosperity for All'.

Since 2013, the Welsh Government has provided local authorities with £25 million a year to support local bus and community transport services across Wales. Towards the end of 2017-18, we provided an additional £3 million to support the bus network, in addition to other specific grants allocated to support public transport services.

In line with our economic action plan, we remain committed to supporting small businesses through Business Wales, which offers bilingual advice and support to start and grow enterprises. Additionally, we are providing help for small business to get ready for Brexit with a £7.5 million Brexit business resilience package.

Our current focus is to use £750 million of investment to deliver the south Wales metro. The metro is designed to enable it to be extended in future. Transport for Wales will be reviewing the options to extend, which will be dependent on the business justification and availability of funding.