Ahead of the Chancellor’s Summer statement, Fay Jones MP raised concerns that mid-Wales might not get it's fair share of recently announced Barnett consequential funding.
Following a meeting Miss Jones hosted between Brecon and Radnorshire businesses and the Secretary of State for Wales, Miss Jones continued to champion their cause during Wales Questions on Wednesday. Miss Jones highlighted that many of the very same local businesses could benefit from the £59 million generated by the Culture Secretary’s recent announcement, but that she was "deeply concerned that the Welsh Government could stick to form and only channel that money towards Cardiff-based tourist and culture attractions."
Miss Jones asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he would do all he can to "ensure that mid-Wales will see the benefit of that money, which is, after all, mid-Wales’s money".
Simon Hart MP, Secretary of State for Wales responded with a commitment to urge the Welsh Government to make those important decisions for the whole of Wales. He said "I know that, in her own area, critical events such as the Royal Welsh Show are hugely culturally important, and it is absolutely right that the Welsh Government should look at the whole of Wales, and not be tempted into just supporting a few well-known industries around their favoured patch."
Commenting on the exchange, Fay Jones MP said:
"Many businesses across Wales need support, but the performing arts, culture and events sector is going to be one of the last ones to reopen. From local theatres to music festivals, my heart goes out to every organisation which has been left in the dark by the Welsh Government with no clarity on when they will be able to resume business.
"I am reassured that Secretary of State recognises the importance of events like the Royal Welsh Show - their cultural and economic significance is hard to understate for rural areas like Brecon and Radnorshire. His commitment to the whole of Wales, not just the urban hubs, is much welcomed.
"Alongside unprecedented UK-wide support, the Chancellor announced £500m of further Barnett consequential funding which will be available to the Welsh Government. This brings the additional Covid-19 support funding which the Welsh Government have received to £2.8 billion.
"The Welsh Government must now put their money where their mouth is and provide financial support for the performing arts, culture and events sector right across Wales, not just in Cardiff."
The full exchange between Fay Jones MP and the Secretary of State for Wales can be accessed here.