Agenda item

Notice of Motion:

Proposed by Cllr Nathan Goldup John

Seconded by Cllr Laura Williams.

The profit made from natural resources in Wales should be no different than that of Scotland. Revenue generated from the Crown Estate in Wales was valued at over £600m at the end of 2022, this has grown since. The revenue generated by this asset directly flows into the UK Treasury.  

This money, especially in these times of uncertainty, could be used to help create well-paid green jobs, further research and development solutions in all sectors and work to bring down domestic energy costs. Noting the opportunity we have here with the development of the Celtic Freeport, there could be benefit to the local community by devolving the Crown Estate.

Profits made from Wales’ natural resources should be kept in Wales to boost our economy. The revenue from Scottish assets go straight to the Scottish Government and we should be no different, here in Wales. 

This Council should support the campaign to devolve management of the Crown Estate and assets in Wales to the Welsh Government and that funds raised from this used to support the social needs of the Welsh people.  

Accordingly it is resolved that:

-          the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council write to the appropriate Secretary of State and the First Minister of Wales outlining our support to persuade Westminster on the terms included in this motion to devolve the Crown Estate as a matter of urgency. 

The Mayor called upon Councillor Goldup-John to introduce his motion put before Council on ‘The profit of the Crown Estate’.

Councillor Goldup-John addressed Council.

‘Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The profit of the Crown Estate, made from National Resources in Wales should be no different to that of Scotland. Revenue generated from the Crown Estate in Wales was valued at over £600 million pounds at the end of 2022 and has grown since.

The revenue generated by this asset directly flows into the Uk Treasury. This money, especially in times of uncertainty could be used to help create well-paid, green jobs, further research and development solutions in all sectors and work to bring down the domestic energy costs.

Noting the opportunity we have here with the development of the Celtic Freeports there could be a benefit to the local community by devolving the Crown Estate to Wales. Profit made from Wales is Natural Resources should be kept in Wales to boost our economy.

The revenue from Scottish Assets go straight to the Scottish Government and we should be no different. This Council should support the campaign to devolve management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales back to the Welsh Government and the funds raised from this, should be used to support social needs of the Welsh people.

And therefore accordingly it is resolved that this Council and that the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Councillor Steve Hunt, write to the appropriate Secretary of State and the First Minister of Wales, outlining our support to persuade West Minister on the terms of this motion to devolve the Crown Estate as a matter of urgency. Thank you Mr Mayor.’

Members followed on by endorsing the statement given by Councillor Gold-up John. Members gave their disbelief on why other nations in the UK could keep hold of their funds but Wales could not.

The Deputy Leader gave his support to the motion, saying there are increasing calls from Local Authorities in Wales to see the devolution of the Crown Estate. Principles including economic and budgetary reasons was mentioned. At present the Crown Estate own large areas of the coast, rivers and landscape in Wales an increase of £21 million to over £150 million in 2024. A result of resources seen across county areas including energy which the Council have a particular interest in specifically the Celtic Freeport and Flow.

Across the United Kingdom the profit from the Crown Estate went up from £345 million in 2020 to £1.1 billion in 2024. In comparison to Scotland, Wales does not receive a direct proportion of the profit. Scottish Government was in receipt of over £100 million in 2024. It is estimated that Wales would receive over £50 million pounds if the Crown Estate was devolved.

The Deputy Leader went on to say that Councils in Wales between them pay 300,000 to crown estate for the use of their land. Profit has been seen in terms of natural resources.

Several members went on to express their gratitude to Councillor Goldup-John for the motion and gave thanks.

The Leader, Councillor Steve Hunt informed Council he was looking forward to compiling a letter of support to West Minister on behalf of Council Members.

Resolved:

That the motion ‘The Crown Estate’ be carried.