Welsh Government’s National Infrastructure Commission proposals do not go far enough
Party of Wales claims that Welsh Government needs to be far more innovative if it wants to realise Wales’ economic potential
Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure Dai Lloyd has stated that the Welsh Government’s proposed National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) will fail to fully realise Wales’ economic potential.
His comments come on the day that the Welsh Government set out its consultation document, which would see NICW established as ‘an advisory body, responsible for analysing, advising and making recommendations on Wales’ longer-term strategic infrastructure needs’.
The establishment of a National Infrastructure Commission was agreed between Labour and Plaid Cymru as part of the ‘Compact’ agreement following this year’s Assembly election, however the two parties disagree on the precise scope of the body.
Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance Adam Price added that the government’s ability to invest in a meaningful programme of infrastructure investment was hampered by a cap on borrowing power and by the UK Government’s austerity agenda.
Earlier this month Plaid set out its vision of an arms-length body which would be charged with identifying, costing and prioritising a programme for projects, but would also have borrowing powers to increase the number of potential projects.
Plaid state that their version of NICW is an innovative model that will allow it to raise some £7.5 billion over ten years to invest in vital economic and social infrastructure projects throughout Wales.
Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure Dai Lloyd said:
“Whilst I welcome the creation of a National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, I believe that today’s consultation document is a missed opportunity on the part of the Welsh Government.
“Creating an advisory body is one thing, but if Wales is to make significant gains in terms of its infrastructure then we need to think innovatively around how we fund future projects. The Welsh Government needs to be far more innovative if it is to realise Wales’ economic potential.
“I would urge industry and other stakeholders to make their views known to the Welsh Government during this consultation period.”
Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Minister for Finance and Economy Adam Price said:
“Plaid Cymru’s National Infrastructure Commission could transform Wales, both in terms of improving social conditions, but also in terms of creating a large number of jobs across Wales.
“Plaid’s vision of NICW could allow the government to increase capital investment by £7.5 billion over the next ten years. Eventually, NICW has the potential to deliver greater levels of economic growth throughout Wales, and over the long term it could reduce the economic gap between Wales and the rest of the UK.”
