(Title Image: BBC Wales)
RIFW lawsuit settled out of court
A Welsh Government lawsuit against Lambert Smith Hampton and Amber fund arising from the controversial Regeneration Investment Fund of Wales (RIFW) scandal has been settled out of court for an undisclosed settlement.
RIFW – which was responsible for selling publicly-owned land to raise money for regeneration project – under-valued land it sold which potentially cost taxpayers at least £15million. Several land parcels were sold on at substantial profit by Guernsey-based company South Wales Land Developments.
Local Government & Housing Minister, Julie James (Lab, Swansea West), said: “This settlement has been reached on a commercial basis and without any admission of liability by any party. The detailed terms have been incorporated into a confidential settlement agreement between the parties.”
Shadow Minister for Government Efficiency, Angela Burns MS (Con, Carms. W. & S. Pembs.), said: “Millions of pounds have been squandered, millions that could have been invested in our education and health systems, spent building Wales’ economy or supporting some of our more vulnerable citizens.”
As a result of the settlement, around £40.7million tied up in the RIFW fund can now be released for projects.
Call for urgent action to secure National Library’s future
The interim Chair of the Senedd’s Culture Committee, Helen Mary Jones MS (Plaid, Mid & West Wales), has warned that the National Library – based in Aberystwyth – was facing a funding crisis caused by years of what’s claimed to be underfunding.
A Welsh Government-commissioned independent review has warned that the long-term financial viability of the institution.
Helen Mary Jones said: “The National Library holds some of our most important history and as an organisation it has a rich history itself. We must do all we can to protect its future. That is why we’re urgently calling on the Welsh Government for answers.”
Construction set to start on final stages of A465 dualling
Work on the final two sections of the A465 dualling project – which will run between Dowlais and Hirwaun – is set to start in spring 2021 with site clearance works set to begin straight away.
A consortium including Atkins, Alun Griffiths and others (“Future Valleys”) were awarded the contract. At 18km (~11 miles) long, it’ll be one of the longest road projects by length in post-devolution Wales.
The scheme has a budget of £400million, though it’s expected to generate £675million for the economy, with £170million to be spent in the Heads of the Valleys region.
GWLAD festival revived in virtual form
The GWLAD festival – originally held in 2019 to mark the 20th anniversary of devolution – has been revived as an online event for 2020.
Events will be held throughout November, looking at the future of rural Wales, the creative sector, how the pandemic will change working patterns and future generations.
Llywydd, Elin Jones (Plaid, Ceredigion) said: “From the world of work, education, arts, sport and business – many sectors face an uncertain future and may be changed forever. This year’s GWLAD sessions, we aim to tackle these challenges, to learn from the experiences of people from all backgrounds and all corners of the country in order to share ideas on how to rebuild stronger and better for the future.”
Senedd Commission budget for 2021-22 approved
The Senedd approved the Senedd Commission’s budget for 2021-22 by 44 votes to 13 on 11th November.
The Senedd’s total running costs will be around £62million, including expenses associated with next year’s Welsh general election as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senedd Commissioner for Finance, Suzy Davies MS (Con, South Wales West) said consideration was given to freezing the budget but it was deemed impossible due to increased staffing costs.
