Balanced regional development is not being achieved. The west is falling further behind, rather than catching up.
Deregulation of services such as electricity, gas and telecommunications will worsen the regional divide.
The bulk of investment is going to congested areas.
Development of the west depends on infrastructure.
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A new strategic approach to infrastructural development in the west is needed.
Key decision-makers in Civil Service must focus on western issues.
Two high-level groups should deal with roads and power/telecommunications. They should produce costed development schedules by February 2002.
An Invest in the West programme is recommended to help towns attract investment.