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Written question asked by Baroness Humphreys (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 January 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

AI Growth Zones: Wales

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government (1) how much, and (2) what proportion of, funding allocated to AI Growth Zones will be spent in Wales; and what the timeframe is for that funding.

Answer

The AI Growth Zones programme aims to attract billions of pounds in private investment into AI data centres and drive economic growth through job creation. The programme will create opportunities for skills development and apprenticeships, forge research and development partnerships with local universities, and enable British businesses to participate in major AI projects.

We have announced five AI Growth Zones, two of which are Welsh sites, with one in Anglesey and another in South Wales. These sites will benefit from major private investment, including Vanguard's planned £10 billion investment in the South Wales AI Growth Zone. In addition to this private capital, we are providing £5 million for each AI Growth Zone through UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) to support skills development and AI adoption, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the programme. This funding will be available from April 2026 for all AI Growth Zone.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13698
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finance Wales AI growth zones
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk