Commenting on the Welsh Government’s plan to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales, Paul Davies MS, Shadow Minister for the Welsh Language, Culture, Tourism and Sport, said:
“The Welsh Government is wasting time and taxpayers’ money on setting up a shadow authority in an area that isn’t even devolved, while the issues people actually care about are being neglected.
“Families are waiting months for NHS treatment, educational standards have declined and the Welsh economy continues to lag behind the rest of the UK. Ministers should be focusing on growing the economy and improving public services, not creating new bodies with no real powers.
“The Welsh Government has already committed £45,000 to this project, but this is just the start. Ministers have failed to explain what the total cost will be, how much more public money will be spent or what practical difference this body will make.
“The Welsh Conservatives do not support the devolution of broadcasting. Rather than campaigning for more constitutional change, the Welsh Government should concentrate on delivering on the responsibilities it already has.”
Call to bin glass from Deposit Return Scheme
The Welsh Conservatives have warned that the Welsh Government’s decision to go it alone and include glass in a Deposit Return Scheme risks undermining the whole scheme.
Welsh Conservatives today led a debate calling for Wales to align with the rest of the UK to deliver a simpler, more affordable scheme that reduces litter without imposing unnecessary costs on businesses and consumers.
Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said:
“Wales has one of the highest recycling rates in the world and 92% of household glass is already recycled.
“While we support the principle of a Deposit Return Scheme, by failing to work with the rest of the UK, the Welsh Government is creating unnecessary costs, bureaucracy and uncertainty for Welsh businesses.
“Small retailers, manufacturers, breweries and drinks producers have repeatedly warned that this approach risks higher prices, reduced consumer choice and even products being withdrawn in Wales.
“With just over a year until the proposed launch, there is still no operational infrastructure in Wales, so businesses can’t prepare for the changes.
“The Welsh Conservatives support a practical and lower-cost Deposit Return Scheme that aligns with the rest of the UK to protect the environment and support economic growth.”
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