Welsh Conservatives have criticised the government’s handling of the creation of a single environment body, following the conclusion of the ‘Natural Resources Wales’ consultation.
Speaking during a government debate on the issue, Shadow Minister for Environment Russell George AM has highlighted continued fears from the forestry sector and on-going concerns over the government’s aims and objectives for the body.
The Welsh Government’s consultation focused on its plans to merge the Environment Agency, Countryside Council and Forestry Commission in Wales.
Mr George said:
“The truth is that this merger remains a botched muddle.
“Businesses and organisations within the forestry sector still aren’t convinced about the commission’s inclusion – and neither am I.
“The decision has always called the future of its estate and arms-length status into question. Until we receive sufficient clarity from the government those worries remain prevalent.
“For the new body to be effective, it is critical that the government’s strategic aims are crystal clear. The creation of this body is one of the most significant pieces of work any Welsh Government has faced since devolution. This is an opportunity to shape what will be a very important body for the future of the Welsh environment and our well-being.
“It’s time it was given the attention to detail it rightly deserves.”
