Plaid Cymru Gwynedd has started official negotiations with The Crown Estate to press for change and release the county of its obligation to pay lease to the crown for land, coast and seas within the boundaries of Gwynedd. [Photo: Cllr Dewi Jones with Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Leader, Nia Jeffreys and Afon Menai in the background]
In a recent meeting between Wales Director of The Crown Estate with the leader of Plaid Cymru Gwynedd and Councillor Dewi Jones who raised the issue at full council back in October last year, the challenging financial situation facing county councils was emphasised.
In Gwynedd alone, over £160,000 of public money was paid to The Crown Estate in 2023; ranging from £35 for a stretch of Bangor beach, £8,500 for a stretch of beaches in Dwyfor and a huge sum of £144,000 for Hafan Pwllheli.
Peblig Councillor, Dewi Jones said: “Just imagine what Cyngor Gwynedd could have done with an extra £160,000 in 2023 to benefit local people? The fact that we have to pay rent for access to our own land in our own country is immoral.
“Devolving The Crown Estate is about much more than just who controls our land and seas. It is about confidence in our ability to govern ourselves, trust in our vision for the future, and the confidence to shape an economy that serves the people of Wales and the residents of Gwynedd. That is one clear message we shared with the Director of Wales at our meeting.”
The Crown Estate profits had more than doubled from £443 million in 2023/24 to £1.1 billion in 2023/24. In the same period, Cyngor Gwynedd has seen their budget cut in real terms. This coming year, Gwynedd now face a financial gap of £9 million before setting the 2024/25 budget.
Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Leader, Councillor Nia Jeffreys said: “Thank you to Councillor Dewi Jones for raising this issue on the council floor back in October. By now, 12 out of the 22 county councils have now called for The Crown Estate to be devolved to the hands of the people of Wales. Momentum on this issue is definitely growing.
“With the Labour Government in Cardiff continuing to squeeze the purse strings of county councils, a fairer financial system needs to be sought for public services in Wales. Throwing crumbs at us year after year will not ensure fairness for the children of Gwynedd who need care, the older people of the county who need support in their old age, or for those Gwynedd families who need permanent homes.
“It is high time for the governments in Cardiff and Westminster to tackle the underfunding that is happening at grassroot level. This is one way that the situation in Wales could improve to benefit Gwynedd residents. It is immoral that such fees go towards maintaining the British Monarchy and into the coffers of the Treasury in London. This money should stay in Gwynedd in order to support the people of Gwynedd."
Councillor Nia Jeffreys concluded by thanking the Director of Wales and her team for meeting with them to discuss this important issue.
“Political will is needed for this change and at the moment, Labour is far too silent about this issue." said Cllr Nia Jeffreys.
The Crown Estate Bill will be debated in the House of Commons on Monday 24 February. Thanks to Plaid Cymru, an amendment has been presented to demand fairness for Wales at Westminster.
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