Aberystwyth Rally Demands Devolution of Crown Estate to Wales
Campaigners in Aberystwyth urge for the Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales, highlighting financial benefits and local support.
Aberystwyth, Wales, Crown Estate, Devolution, Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion
The Crown Estate manages about 50,000 acres of land in Wales, including riverbeds and beaches. This land is valued at over £853 million, with profits going to the UK Treasury and the Royal Family.
Plaid Cymru members are advocating for the land to be transferred to the Welsh Government. They plan to hold a public rally on February 1, calling for an end to what they describe as “asset stripping” by Westminster.
If the Crown Estate were devolved, Plaid Cymru estimates Wales could gain an extra £50 million each year. Ceredigion County Council supports this call, along with six other councils, to meet the social needs of the Welsh people.
At the rally, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones highlighted the growth in the Crown Estate’s value, which rose from £21 million in 2007 to £853 million in 2023. She noted that profits have tripled from 2020 to 2024, reaching £1.1 billion, largely due to renewable energy projects.
Jones pointed out that since 2015-16, the Crown Estate in Scotland has been owned by the Scottish Government, contributing £100 million to its treasury last year. She stressed the importance of keeping Wales’ assets within the country for local services.
Ben Lake MP added that Wales currently does not receive fair compensation under the UK’s constitutional setup. He noted that Scotland has been able to utilize its additional revenue since gaining powers in 2016, while Wales has not.
The rally, held at midday, saw strong attendance. Ceredigion County Council’s deputy leader, Alun Williams, stated that devolving the Crown Estate is crucial for fair funding and addressing local challenges. With 60 miles of coastline, Ceredigion could greatly benefit from control over marine assets, promoting sustainability and economic growth.
In total, ten local authorities struggling financially have backed the campaign to bring the Crown Estate’s 50,000 acres under Welsh control.