Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:46 pm on 23 March 2022.

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Photo of Luke Fletcher Luke Fletcher Plaid Cymru 1:46, 23 March 2022

I have to say I find it difficult to accept that the Cardiff capital region isn't promoting low wages, and of course the explanation given by yourself as well yesterday in response to Paul Davies that the way this has been reported has been miscast, I hope you'd forgive me in saying that I find this nothing more than a bit of spin. I'll read directly from the prospectus, and I quote here:

'We're competitive. The Cardiff Capital Region provides clear cost advantages with competitive operating costs in comparison with other major UK cities. With the security of a large and skilled workforce, the region has an extremely attractive proposition.'

It goes on to talk about salaries.

'Our workforce is distinctively younger than the UK average, well-educated and diverse, supported by three highly regarded universities. Salary costs across the region are very competitive.'

And it goes on to list then the salaries by city, with Cardiff being right at the bottom, highlighted. It further goes on to describe Cardiff as a low-risk, high-reward location that provides clear cost advantages compared with other major UK cities. I think that's pretty clear cut.

And then the reality is that this isn't the first time that something like this has happened. I remember in 2019 my colleague Rhun ap Iorwerth raising almost an identical issue where Trade and Investment Wales had hailed 30 per cent lower salary costs in Wales compared to the other parts of the UK as a reason to invest in Wales. This, sadly, I have to say—