New Welsh Assembly office costs attract criticism
The Welsh Assembly Government has been criticised after it was revealed that millions of pounds have been spent on furnishing new offices.
The Minister for Business and Budget, Jane Hutt, disclosed in a Written Answer last week that £2,138,839 had been spent on loose furnishings, such as chairs and desks, for the new offices at Llandudno Junction.
A further £1,382,355 was spent on IT costs with millions more paid to consultants for “Professional Fees”.
Conservative AM Andrew RT Davies, whose questions prompted the answers from the minister, tells WalesOnline.co.uk: “We all need somewhere to sit and work but spending £2.5m on desks, chairs and presumably de luxe sofas, is completely unforgivable.”
The Assembly Government responded to the criticism:
“The Welsh Assembly Government’s Llandudno Junction office has been completed on budget. It is a significant landmark investment for the long term in North Wales.”
The building attracted controversy during its construction when local residents said it was like having a “neighbour from hell“.