Plaid Cymru of Wales have accused the Government ministers of “shutting up shop” by keeping the performance of the seven enterprise zones of Wales discreet.
Plaid has filed a complaint about ministers refusing to reveal statistical data detailing the how many jobs have been created in each enterprise zone out of the seven zones in Wales، which is currently dealt by the Information Commissioner.
Ministers launched the enterprise zone back in 2011، in an effort to make the Welsh economy more effective and competitive. These zones are responsible of creating more job opportunities، as well as providing incentives and opportunities for the businesses moving into the said zones.
The seven enterprise sectors are as follows:
According to government figures، these sectors created an amount of 5142 job opportunities between April 2012 and March 2014. These included new jobs formed in at an amount of 2159 across 188 different businesses، with First Minister Carwyn Jones stating last October that another 6500 new jobs in line.
Despite Plaid’s complain for a disclosure on the actual figures and statistical reports، the Government have neglected in revealing it and shadow minister for economy and enterprise of Plaid had stated “It appears the Welsh government displays openness when it suits them but when they are questioned about something which may be difficult they shut up shop and refuse to disclose information، preventing scrutiny.”
Plaid Cymru stated they support the enterprise zones as they “want them to a success in creating jobs across Wales” but they are concerned since “after more than two years people have a right to know more about the success of a scheme which involves spending public money.”
According to a spokesperson from the Information Commissioners office، they “are currently looking into the details before deciding what further action، if any، is required.”