Welsh Conservatives have called for the Future Generations Commissioner of Wales role to be reviewed by the Labour government.
Sophie Howe, who holds the position at the moment, has just one year left in the job, and the Welsh Conservatives believe the current set-up should be reviewed as her stint comes to an end.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Partnership, Joel James MS, raised the issue in the Senedd today (Feb 9).
He raised concerns that the commissioner had been complaining that her budget was too small, but then wasted money on a Universal Basic Income feasibility study and research into a four day working week.
He told the Senedd: “If the commissioner is complaining that she is financially ill-equipped to meet her general duties, how can it be that the commissioner has wasted a sizeable amount of her money and her budget hiring an outside body to undertake a UBI feasibility study and also conduct research into a shorter working week.”
Speaking outside the chamber, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Partnership, Joel James MS, said:
“I have nothing against the Future Generations Commissioner personally, but I don’t think her organisation is delivering for Wales in the way it should and is wasting taxpayer money on ridiculous pet projects.
“Instead of focusing on issues such as Universal Basic Income and a four-day working week, the Commissioner should be working on the issues which matter most to the people of Wales such as the NHS and economy.
“As Ms Howe’s stint in office comes to an end, it is vital Labour ministers review the set-up with all options on the table, including replacing the commissioner with a dedicated government minister, as Welsh residents deserve better.”
