Mark Drakeford, the Finance Minister of Wales, has stated his belief that control of the Crown Estate should be devolved to Wales. This comes amidst criticism directed at Welsh Labour for not exerting enough pressure on the UK Government on this issue. Plaid Cymru has accused Eluned Morgan’s Welsh Government of not advocating strongly enough for this devolution, prompting a response from the First Minister denying these allegations. The Crown Estate’s management of the seabed, crucial for offshore wind developments, currently sees profits paid to the UK Treasury, with a portion then allocated to the monarchy. In contrast, in Scotland, the Crown Estate is devolved, allowing for local allocation of net revenues. Both Mrs. Morgan and Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford have consistently campaigned for the devolution of the Crown Estate in Wales.
During First Minister’s Questions, Plaid Cymru raised concerns and submitted a question to the UK Government seeking an update on negotiations between the two administrations. The response from Darren Jones, the UK Government Treasury spokesman, indicated that there have been no discussions with the Welsh Government regarding devolving the Crown Estate. Jones highlighted the Crown Estate’s role in attracting international investment to Wales to support the UK’s net zero target. He expressed concerns that creating a new entity for managing the Crown Estate in Wales could complicate processes and impede offshore development, potentially undermining investments in Welsh waters. In response to the criticism, Mark Drakeford has reaffirmed his stance, advocating for the devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales, similar to the setup in Scotland.
While Plaid Cymru questioned the ongoing discussions with the UK Government, the First Minister assured that talks were indeed underway. She clarified that despite some officials not being involved, others within the government were actively engaged in these negotiations. Pliad leader Rhun ap Iorwerth stressed the importance of meaningful discussions rather than mere mentions of the issue. Speaking on the ‘For Wales, See Wales’ podcast, Finance Minister Mark Drakeford highlighted the potential benefits of devolving the Crown Estate to Wales, particularly in the context of renewable energy opportunities. He emphasised Wales’ advantage in harnessing natural resources for renewable energy and the need for greater control in this era of energy transition.
Support for the devolution of the Crown Estate in Wales aligns with broader efforts to enhance local governance and utilise natural resources effectively. The debate around this issue reflects the complexities of decentralisation and the economic implications for Wales. It underscores the importance of balanced decision-making to ensure sustainable management of resources while fostering economic growth. As discussions continue between the Welsh Government and the UK Government, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Wales’ energy sector and its contribution to national targets. The push for devolution in this domain signals Wales’ aspirations for greater autonomy in managing its assets and shaping its sustainable future.