The total funding channelled to local communities under the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board has increased to GBP 122 million following the latest support package.
Of this amount, GBP 102 million is provided by the UK government, while GBP 20 million is funded by Tata Steel.
Total transition funding reaches GBP 122 million
Following the GBP 22 million increase in Transition Board funding, the scope of support for businesses in Port Talbot and the surrounding areas has been expanded. The UK government states that the additional funding could help create up to 1,000 new jobs within the local community.
GBP 80 million delivered on the ground since July 2024
Since July 2024, GBP 80 million from UK government funds has been directed directly to the region through the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, chaired by Wales Secretary Jo Stevens. The funding has supported training programmes for thousands of people and helped around 200 businesses to be established, expanded, invest in new equipment and access new markets.
No rise in unemployment during the transition
The UK government emphasises that the rapid deployment of funding in the Port Talbot area has prevented any increase in unemployment benefit claims during Tata Steel’s transition to greener steel production. Strong demand for the funds across South Wales was one of the key drivers behind the decision to allocate additional resources.
Business funding applications open until 2026
The additional GBP 22 million, announced on Thursday 18 December, will allow businesses to continue applying for support through the Supply Chain, Business Setup, Resilience and Growth Funds until 2026.
Jo Stevens: “We made a promise, and we are delivering”
Speaking during a visit to Port Talbot-based JES Group, Wales Secretary Jo Stevens said the government had rapidly delivered the initial GBP 80 million of funding to local communities.
“Grants have been distributed quickly to meet the needs of local people, businesses and communities. We can see that our approach is working. With the additional GBP 22 million to be delivered in the new year, we want as many people as possible to benefit from this support,” she said.
Stevens also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting workers and businesses affected by the transition at Port Talbot.
JES Group: “Additional support will make a real difference”
Stevens also visited JES Academy, which has benefited from Transition Board funding and provides training to dozens of steelworkers. Justin Johnson, Director of JES Group and The Skills Academy, said government support is critical for supply chain companies, noting that Tata Steel’s shift to an electric arc furnace makes diversification into new sectors inevitable for many businesses.
Green steel investments continue
The UK government has allocated GBP 2.5 billion to decarbonise and rebuild the steel sector over the long term. The UK Steel Strategy is expected to be published in early 2026. The latest support comes in addition to the GBP 500 million already allocated for Tata Steel’s electric arc furnace investment currently under construction at Port Talbot.
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