A TYWYN businessman will be a key figure in deciding the future of Wales’ infrastructure.

John Lloyd Jones (right), husband of Gwynedd councillor Anne Lloyd Jones, will take up the post of chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales for one year.

The decision was announced last month by Welsh Government minster for finance Ken Skates.

Welsh Government established the NICfW to support independent, better informed advice on a longer-term strategy for infrastructure investment, which enshrines the goals and principles of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

It has been established as a non-statutory, advisory body to provide advice and recommendations to the Welsh Ministers on the economic and environmental infrastructure needs of Wales over five to 30 years.

The commission will also consider the interactions of these needs with ‘social infrastructure’, such as schools, hospitals and housing.

Economy and transport secretary Ken Skates, said: “Mr Jones has excellent credentials and offers stability and reliability while I assess the most important skills and knowledge for the commission in the longer term.

“He is a seasoned chair, with wide and varied knowledge of the public and private sectors and, crucially, has the ability and the skills to create a board and get it working quickly.

“Mr Jones has a track record of leadership and I am confident he will be able to establish a commission capable of successfully assessing infrastructure need and shaping our long-term investment strategy.

“The calibre of candidates that came forward for this role through the public appointments process was high and I want to thank all those that took the time to put their name forward.

“I have decided to appoint the chair on an interim basis for one year to focus on establishing the commission in its initial phase.”

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