<p>Prosperity in the South Wales Valleys</p>

Part of 2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 2:17 pm on 19 July 2017.

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Photo of Lynne Neagle Lynne Neagle Labour 2:17, 19 July 2017

Cabinet Secretary, the proposals put forward by the Department for Work and Pensions over the future of their estate in Wales will see a relocation of some 200 skilled staff out of Cwmbran town centre. Not only would this have a devastating impact on the local economy in Cwmbran, but would pose enormous difficulties for staff with caring responsibilities who are unable to travel to the location that’s been proposed, which is the Treforest area. The fact that that location has been chosen suggests that the DWP have little or no understanding of the geography of Wales. I know that the Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, who’s been incredibly helpful, was meeting with the UK Minister last Thursday, and I’d be grateful if, as a Government, you could provide an update to Members. But can I also ask you for your assurances, Cabinet Secretary, that you will do all you can personally to work with Julie James to represent the staff affected by these proposals, which will have a devastating impact on one of the poorest parts of Wales?