Plaid Cymru Calls for Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillors to Support Devolution of Crown Estate to Wales
The Plaid Cymru group on Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council has put forward a notice of motion to the upcoming full council meeting, urging councillors to back the devolution of The Crown Estate to Wales. The motion seeks to ensure that any profits generated by The Crown Estate on Welsh lands and waters are retained in Wales, benefiting local residents and communities. The Crown Estate, a £16 billion property portfolio across the UK, operates as an independent entity that returns profits to the Treasury and supports the monarchy. In the 2023-24 financial year, it reported a record £1.1 billion net revenue profit, a substantial increase from the previous year.
With an estimated ownership of 65% of Wales’ foreshore and riverbeds, as well as over 50,000 acres of land in the country, The Crown Estate plays a significant role in Wales’ economy. Recent data showcasing Crown Estate assets in Wales valued at £853 million further emphasises the importance of this issue. Unlike Scotland, where the management of The Crown Estate is devolved, Wales does not have the same level of control over these crucial assets. The motion submitted to RCT Council also advocates for the transfer of responsibility for The Crown Estate assets and revenue in Wales to the Welsh Government, citing the need for direct benefits to Welsh citizens.
Specifically, the motion calls for the Welsh Government to oversee the management of The Crown Estate in Wales, asserting that the revenue should serve the people of Wales. Furthermore, it urges the council to communicate its support for this initiative to the Welsh Government and implore the UK Government, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to expedite the devolution process. The growing campaign advocating for Welsh control over The Crown Estate highlights the desire for Wales to harness the potential economic benefits, particularly in areas like renewable energy, and address social issues such as poverty and inequality.
Drawing parallels with Scotland’s successful devolution of The Crown Estate management back in 2017, the motion argues that Wales deserves similar opportunities, especially amidst rising profits and persistent economic disparities. While Welsh Labour has previously expressed intentions to devolve The Crown Estate to Wales, recent reports suggest a lack of concrete discussions between the Welsh and UK governments on this matter. The motion underscores the urgency of empowering Wales to manage its own Crown Estate assets, estimating potential earnings of up to £42 million for the country.
The push for devolution of The Crown Estate to Wales aligns with broader calls for increased autonomy and economic empowerment within the nation. Considering the financial strains faced by local authorities across Wales, transferring control of The Crown Estate to Welsh oversight could represent a significant step towards addressing long-standing investment gaps in government services. By advocating for the devolution of The Crown Estate assets and revenue, RCT councillors have the opportunity to support a crucial initiative aimed at securing a more prosperous and sustainable future for Wales.