PRESS RELEASE : Labour-run Cardiff high streets in decline, highlighting the need for a Cardiff Parkway Station [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Welsh Conservatives on 6 December 2022.

The BBC high street comparison tool, using Ordnance Survey data, reveals a stark contrast between Cardiff, the rest of Wales and Great Britain. With the overall picture showing Cardiff as a city in decline.

A Labour Cardiff Council Cabinet Member has criticised the delay to Cardiff Parkway Station plans, stating that this “does nothing to enhance Cardiff or Wales’ reputation with the business community.”

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Economy Minister, Paul Davies MS said:

“It is concerning to see Labour-run Cardiff in such a state of decline. The Welsh Conservatives have long been calling on the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay to reform the tax on jobs that is business rates. It is often the number one issue for high street business owners.

“We are also keen to see the acceleration of plans to open a Cardiff Parkway railway station, sadly on hold at present. Labour councillors in Cardiff have even criticised this Welsh Government’s handling of the project.

“Labour have control of the economic levers at both Senedd and council level, yet they pass the buck and under-deliver at every opportunity. They need to get a grip with this deteriorating situation.”

In Cardiff Council last week, Cllr Russell Goodway, the Labour Cabinet Member for Investment & Development and Councillor for Ely (in Mark Drakeford’s Cardiff West constituency), said:

“What I am seriously disappointed with, and this isn’t the first time its happened, is the delay in the Welsh government making a decision as to whether they are going to call in an application, they took far too long in deciding not to call in the arena project, they’ve taken far too long, months and months and months, to decide they want to determine this application.

“I’m, afraid that delay does nothing to enhance Cardiff or Wales’ reputation with the business community outside of this country and I know it is having a detrimental effect for investors from London and elsewhere cause they think it’s just too hard to do business in Wales.”