Call for clarification over Welsh Assembly regional offices

A Mid Wales politician has called for clarification from the Welsh Assembly over its future plans for regional offices in Wales.

Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George has called for more clarity from the Assembly on its plans for Ladywell House in Newtown, which houses Welsh Assembly staff, amid concerns that no guarantees have been given about the future of the office in the town.

In a recent letter from the finance minister, Jane Hutt AM told the leader of Powys County Council, Councillor Barry Thomas, that the Welsh Government has committed itself to 'retaining jobs and an office in key locations across Wales, including Llandrindod Wells and Newtown'.

However, Mr George said no long-term solutions had been discussed and no guarantee had been given that both offices would be saved.

He said: "While I welcome the commitment made by the Welsh Labour Government to maintain some form of regional presence in Powys, there is no guarantee that the two offices will be preserved in their present format.

"All the Government is committing to at the moment is to have 'an office' in a key location in Powys.

"Will it be on one or other of the present sites, will it be on a completely new site, how large do they expect it to be and how well staffed will it be?"

Mr George added: "The Minister's letter has created more questions than answers, and I would certainly like to see more detail on the Government's Location Strategy as soon as possible."

Newtown County Councillor Peter Harris welcomed the news, saying he was pleased that an office would be kept in Newtown. But he added: "It is vitally important that the Welsh Government secures a strong presence in Newtown.

"The quicker we can see the details of the Government's plans on this the better it will be, not just for the staff but also for local businesses and retailers."

A Welsh Assembly spokesman said no decisions had been made.

By Andrew Morris