THE Welsh Government has described decisions in Whitehall as “poor value”, producing “poor outcomes” after Rishi Sunak announced £20m of extra levelling up funding would be going to Barry.

Barry, along with Merthyr Tydfil, Wrexham and Cwmbran, will receive a portion of £80 million as part of a long-term investment plan for towns the UK Government says "have been overlooked and taken for granted".

But Wales’ Labour government has been scathing of Tory government’s involvement in devolved matters.

In an extraordinary rebuff to the £80 million scheme, Welsh Labour said the investment risks "duplication", "poor value for money", and would not meed the needs of the Welsh economy.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: “The UK Government has not consulted us on this investment or how it could complement our ongoing work.

“Decisions made in Whitehall on devolved matters risk duplication, poor value for money and poor outcomes.

“They create a confused funding landscape that is at odds with Welsh Government policies, such as Transforming Towns, and does not meet the distinct needs of the Welsh economy and communities.”

Barry And District News: The money could go on repurposing shops (like Wilkos?)The money could go on repurposing shops (like Wilkos?) (Image: Newsquest)

The UK Government insisted it is ready to work with the Welsh Government to benefit Wales.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are delivering investment for the benefit of Welsh communities, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which goes directly to councils.

“Our prospectus is clear that we will work with the Welsh Government on the long-term plan to ensure we can best support communities in Barry and beyond.”

Barry And District News: Rishi Sunak says he wants to help towns like Barry which have been 'neglected'Rishi Sunak says he wants to help towns like Barry which have been 'neglected' (Image: PA Media)

But the people of Barry probably won't see any benefit from the cash until well into summer 2024.

Firstly, the Vale Council has to set up a Town Board made of dozens of local partners that will put together a “vision” of how the money should be spent.

But despite all these intentions, the Welsh Government is clear about one thing, they want the Tories to leave Welsh policy to Wales.

“To date the Levelling Up process has failed Wales and is costing Wales jobs,” continued the Welsh Government spokesperson.

“Wales is more than £1.1 billion worse off as a result of the UK Government’s failure to meet its pledge to replace previous EU funds in full. 

“They should stop taking decisions in devolved areas and restore these funds to Wales.”

What do you think? Nice offer from the UK Government for Barry? Or is the Welsh Government right? Let us know on our Facebook page, in comments, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.