In the Climate Change, Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting today, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, was startled to learn that there is significant confusion and a lack of Welsh Government response regarding the work and oversight of the Infrastructure Commission board.
Janet added:
“This Board currently costs taxpayers in Wales over £400,000. This funding goes towards commissioner fees, studies, tours, and events, as well as paying individuals to provide evidence.
“However, during the evidence session, Dr David Clubb, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, highlighted their disappointment that the Welsh Government rejects some of their proposals. More concerningly, the Commission is often unclear as to whether the Welsh Government is rejecting or accepting its recommendations. Responses are long-winded, and last year it took several months for the Infrastructure Commission to work through the information provided in order to understand the outcome.
“Dr Clubb also stated that the Infrastructure Commission does not believe the Welsh Government fully understands what is being recommended to them, alongside a lack of communication. This is unacceptable, and the Welsh Government must ensure that it responds to Commission reports in a clear and understandable manner, and take an active role in considering the recommendations and case studies being presented.
“We cannot accept the setting up of quangos costing millions of pounds and then not able to achieve their goals down to an indifference on the part of the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary and Government officials.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
