Assembly slammed over cash holdup

UP to 27 projects are being held up in Carmarthenshire because European money meant for regeneration is in Assembly bank accounts, according to council bosses.

Carmarthenshire Council has invited Assembly bosses to come to County Hall to explain why none of the grant cash handed to Wales to help deprived communities and create jobs has yet reached Carmarthenshire. As the recession tightens its grip, they branded the situation scandalous and demanded answers.

Council chief executive Mark James said: "The scheme has been going for more than three years and not a penny of convergence money has been spent in Carmarthenshire, despite 27 applications being submitted."

Convergence funding is worth around £1.4 billion to West Wales and the valleys.

All eight AMs from the region and representatives from the Wales European Funding Office (Wefo) are being invited to a full council meeting to explain what has happened to it.

Councillor Clive Scourfield said: "It's extremely devious for the Wefo to say it is expert at distributing money — it is not.

"Lord help us in 2015, when this money has to be spent by. I'd hate to think we will carry any blame for non-distribution."

Deputy leader Kevin Madge said: "This money could be used to save a lot of jobs. We need to arrange a special meeting, a bit like the House of Commons did with the banks, and get them to apologise to the electorate and explain why they're not delivering."

Anthony Jones, chairman of the regeneration and leisure scrutiny committee, said: "For some strange reason, they feel the money is better in their bank accounts than being used to better the economy in Wales, not just Carmarthenshire."

However, the town's Plaid AM Helen Mary Jones said: "I have repeatedly offered the local authorities my support to ensure that convergence funding bids and any other bids to the Assembly Government are dealt with as quickly as possible.

"However, I have also made it clear that in order for me to be able to do this effectively, I need to be informed of all the details of each bid so that I know which ministers and officials to approach. On the occasion where the information has been forthcoming, I have been able to assist in getting a speedy decision. My offer of help stands.

"It is not the role of councillors to scrutinise AMs, and I will not be accepting any invitation to attend council, any more than I would expect members of the executive board to appear before a meeting of the Assembly."

Carmarthenshire Council officials were unable to give the Post any further details about the applications submitted to the Wefo for convergence funding. No-one at the Wefo was available for comment.