WALES OFFICE ADMIN GROWS WHILE POWYS LIGHTS GO OUT - ÖPIK AND WILLIAMS

9.08.18am GMT Thu 27th Nov 2008

Powys Lib Dem MPs Lembit Öpik and Roger Williams have today attacked an increase in the Wales Office budget which comes as lights are being switched off across Powys.

Lembit Öpik today challenged Wales Office Minister Wayne David on the increase in his department's budget as street lighting is cut in Powys.

Commenting, Montgomeryshire MP Lembit Öpik said:

"The Wales Office has had to double their budget because they introduced the flawed Government of Wales Act, which introduced a complicated and costly system to give the Assembly the powers they deserve. Now it emerges that even this wasn't enough, and they've had to add another £235,000 to their 'admin' budget.

"It is astonishing that at a time when economic pressures are forcing councils to make cuts, the Wales Office are having to put more money into the pockets of lawyers because the system they have created is so poorly thought out.

"Many communities are concerned at the thought of their street lights being switched off, and they will be gobsmacked to learn of this Wales Office largesse."

Commenting, Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams said:

"The Assembly Government have given Powys a very poor settlement, well below inflation, which has made cuts inevitable.

"Some street lighting could be cut back, both to save money, and to help with environmental concerns, but this must be done in consultation with local communities, not just sweeping cuts across the board.

"I hope the Council will carefully listen to the concerns of the public and act accordingly before switching off the lights."

Notes:

Section of Written Ministerial Statement issued by the Ministry of Justice on the Wales Office Budget below:

RfR3: To support the Secretary of State in discharging his role of representing Wales in the UK Government, representing the UK Government in Wales and ensuring the smooth running of the devolution settlement in Wales.

Resource Change: Administration (total increase of £235,000)

Other Increases:

An increase of £235,000 in Resource DEL in respect of the Parliamentary Counsel Office funding.

There is no change in the Capital DEL for RfR2 andRfR3.