Leaders joint statement in response to Centre of Technology statement

9 November 2023

Ceredigion and Powys Councils are aware of and are monitoring the situation with the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in respect of the recent announcement of its visitor centre closure to day visitors from 09 November 2023 - https://cat.org.uk/update/.

Councillor Bryan Davies and Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Leaders of Ceredigion and Powys County Councils issued a joint statement: "We are naturally concerned about the announcement and the potential impact on individuals and the wider community. We both met with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive of CAT yesterday to offer our full support. CAT is an asset to Mid Wales and its economy - and we will do everything we can to support them through this difficult period.

"In respect of the Mid Wales Growth Deal, we are working to understand the situation and anticipated impact on the proposal for funding. At present, no project has received funding from the Growth Deal due to the projects still working on their business cases. Following Government guidance robustly is crucial to ensure that public funds are invested wisely in schemes that are sustainable for the long term.

"It would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."