September 07, 2022 - 1861 views
Janet Finch-Saunders MS has critisised the monthly running costs of the Welsh Government’s buildings in Llandudno Junction, claiming they are "eye watering".
Having challenged Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy has disclosed that the average monthly running costs for the Llandudno Junction office for the 2020/21 was £136,895 and £130,967 2021/22.
The Member for Aberconwy has had a long running campaign which has seen her disclose that the complex which cost around £23 million of tax payers’ pounds to build, despite having just over 390 people contracted to work there, recorded an average daily attendance level of 18 people last September.
Commenting on the running costs, Mrs. Finch-Saunders said: “The figures mean that around £1.6m was spent on running costs in 2020/21 and £1.5m in 2021/22, a time that saw hybrid working and as little as 18 people attending the buildings daily!
“It is scandalous that buildings which have already cost tax payers around £23m, are draining around £130,000 from the public purse every month.
“It is well known locally that the complex is underutilised despite several requested by me for the creation of a flexible working hub.
“A business could not get away with running like this, so why should the Welsh Government?
“During a cost-of-living crisis, it is extremely distressing to constituents and local businesses to see the mammoth amount of money squandered by the Welsh Government on its white elephant”.
Welsh Government has been approached for comment.
