War of words over impact of Welsh enterprise zones
A WAR of words has erupted over Wales’ enterprise zones after the Welsh Conservatives claimed figures showed them to be a “waste of public money”.
The Tories say that statistics released show there was an investment of £20,656 for each of the 10,706 jobs the eight zones have created or safeguarded.
But the Welsh Government has hit back – saying they had presented the figures in a “misleading” way – and accused the Welsh Conservatives of being “anti-enterprise”.
The government say the Tories have failed to take into account the major infrastructure investments made as part of zone spending, including the Llangefni link road.
The enterprise zones in North Wales are on Deeside, Anglesey and in Snowdonia.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said: “Labour’s enterprise zones could be the biggest waste of public money in the devolved era, costing hundreds of millions – with very little to show for the money. “Some of the zones have been absolutely disas- trous, supporting only a handful of jobs. And the Welsh Government’s refusal to reveal the true number of new jobs only reinforces the impression that the scheme has failed altogether.” But a spokesman for Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “The Welsh Conservatives have presented our figures in a misleading and misrepresentative way. “The total figures include investments we have made in dozens of major infrastructure projects across Wales – such as the A465 dualling programme and the Llangefni link road – that have directly benefitted businesses within the zones.
“The Welsh Conservatives should welcome the fact that our enterprise zones have attracted considerable private sector investment and secured over 10,000 jobs since 2012.”
The spokesman added: “After denigrating the private sector’s involvement in the flagship enterprise initiative ‘Be the Spark’, the Tories have now misrepresented the success of enterprise zones in the most cynical way.
“The Welsh Conservatives have now confirmed themselves as the anti-enterprise party.”