Future of Newtown's Welsh Government office in doubt
The Welsh Government could be preparing to close its long-standing office at Ladywell House in Newtown after it was revealed in the Senedd a review was being made into its feasibility.
Ladywell House is owned by Powys County Council; the offices are leased to several organisations including the Welsh Government who once owned the building.
The building has long been the home of Government organisations, such as the Development Board for Rural Wales.
Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George pressed the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, during First Ministers Questions this week, citing a written response he received confirming that Ladywell House is part of an ongoing review of Government business accommodation across the region.
Mr George expressed concern over the potential impact on local jobs and the wider economy of the town and called on the First Minister to recognise the importance of maintaining a Welsh Government presence across the whole of Wales – not just made up of those who live in the Cardiff area.
The First Minister said she agree with Mr George's sentiment but said that issues were being caused by changes to the way people work and that the office was not being used frequently.
'We can't justify continuing to hold offices open if people don't turn up,' said Ms Morgan.
'It is important that we encourage people to come into work; we are encouraging them to come in.
'But, clearly, there will come a point where you have to say, 'If you don't turn up, we cannot justify keeping this particular office open.'
'So, it is incumbent on those people to understand that if they don't go into the offices, there is a danger that we will be in a situation where it'll be difficult for us to continue, if they don't turn up.'
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Mr George is now calling on the Welsh Government to confirm its intentions regarding Ladywell House and to 'ensure that rural communities like Newtown are not overlooked in future plans'.
'This site has housed Welsh Government offices for decades,' said Mr George.
'Around 80 staff are contractually based at Ladywell House. These jobs don't just support the individuals and families directly involved; they also provide vital support to town centre shops and local services.'
'The review has understandably raised concerns. If the Government is actively reviewing its office estate in Powys, then the future of a Welsh Government presence in Montgomeryshire must be considered at risk.
'I pressed the First Minister to provide clarity and reassurance, as it is important to Government employees and retains people who live in mid Wales to make the Welsh Government more reflective of the needs and requirements of all people, from all communities across Wales.'
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