Business
Concern from Bristol Airport as Cardiff eyes £200m in Welsh Government subsidies
CARDIFF AIRPORT’S bid for a substantial £205 million government subsidy over the next decade has ignited a fierce debate in the UK aviation sector. This funding, announced by Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, aims to safeguard and potentially expand the 5,000 jobs supported by the airport, which the Welsh Government acquired for £52 million in 2013. The proposed investment would be targeted at attracting new airlines and routes, aiming to elevate passenger numbers to over two million annually and diversify the airport’s revenue streams in areas such as aviation training, sustainable aviation fuel, cargo, and maintenance.
However, Bristol Airport has voiced significant concerns, suggesting that such substantial state aid to Cardiff could create commercial imbalances. Bristol Airport, having handled a record 9.8 million passengers in 2023 compared to Cardiff’s 841,000, fears the subsidy could skew competitive dynamics. The airport argues that the investment might disadvantage it by altering the competitive landscape, potentially impacting its passenger numbers and revenue.
The dispute highlights the growing disparity in performance and strategy between the two airports. Cardiff Airport aims to reach its pre-pandemic annual passenger number of 1.6 million by 2026, focusing on a smaller number of routes, including long-haul flights to major economic centres. In contrast, Bristol Airport has thrived by targeting high-volume tourist traffic and low-cost carriers.
The Welsh Government has submitted its investment plans for Cardiff Airport to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), seeking to ensure compliance with the UK’s new public sector subsidy rules. The CMA’s Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has issued a non-binding evaluation report that calls for a more detailed assessment of potential competitive impacts. The report suggests that the Welsh Government’s analysis could better address the implications for Bristol Airport and other regional airports, which could also compete for similar activities in the future.
Several other UK airports, including Birmingham and Regional and City Airports, have echoed Bristol’s concerns about potential distortions to competition and investment. However, Gloucestershire Airport has reported no anticipated negative impacts on its operations.
The situation is further complicated by Bristol Airport’s expressed willingness to collaborate with Cardiff Airport in non-competitive areas to cut costs and lessen taxpayer expenses, though it seeks greater transparency in how Cardiff’s proposed subsidy will be allocated.
Responding to the news that Bristol Airport said it is “deeply concerned” over plans by the Welsh Government to provide over £200m in subsidy, Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, said: “Investment in airports – as with any large-scale transport infrastructure – is crucial in order to ensure they are able to grow and thrive. This of course, includes large scale subsidies such as the £206 million proposed support package for Cardiff Airport.
“Whilst I do not dispute this positive injection of investment for Cardiff Airport, I do dispute where it is coming from. It remains my belief that the private sector is the right environment for this vital Welsh transport link to thrive, and that we would see much greater investment, growth and passenger take-up if the competitive free market was utilised.
“We all know that government funding is stretched. A move to the private sector would not only encourage efficiency, competition and attract greater investment and growth for Cardiff Airport, but it would free-up more taxpayer cash to spend in other areas of the budget that so desperately need help under current circumstances.”
In response to the CMA’s findings, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans, has stated that the Welsh Government will take the necessary time to consider the CMA’s feedback before refining its proposed investment program. She promised to update the Senedd once a decision has been reached on how to proceed.
This ongoing saga underscores the challenges facing regional airports in balancing growth ambitions with fair competition, especially in a post-Brexit regulatory environment.
As Cardiff Airport strives to expand its capabilities and service offerings, the outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for regional economic development and the broader UK aviation industry.
Business
£1 billion boost to Welsh Economy as ultrafast broadband reaches 1 million
A REPORT from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) and Stantec reveals that Openreach’s ongoing rollout of Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband could inject £1 billion into the Welsh economy by 2029.
This prediction coincides with a major milestone: over one million homes and businesses in Wales now have access to ultrafast Full Fibre broadband via Openreach’s network.
The research, commissioned by Openreach, highlights the transformative potential of Full Fibre broadband, including economic growth, job creation, and enhanced social connectivity.
Lion Hotel: A digital transformation success story
Treorchy’s award-winning Lion Hotel is among the properties celebrating the broadband milestone. Known as a community hub and a venue for study groups, meetings, and co-working, the Lion Hotel has embraced digital transformation with the installation of ultrafast broadband.
Adrian Emmett, the hotel’s owner, explained: “Since coming out of lockdown, we’ve digitised our business systems, including music, tills, CCTV, and bookings. But our Wi-Fi often struggled, letting down customers who use the Lion Hotel as a shared working space. With ultrafast broadband, we can now provide a seamless experience. It’s a game changer for our business and the community.”
The Lion Hotel has also installed interactive dart systems and plans to expand its TikTok presence, which already boasts 127,000 followers and 260 million views. Emmett added:
“With ultrafast broadband, the sky’s the limit. We can now explore live streaming and other opportunities that weren’t possible before.”
Economic and social benefits
The Cebr report outlines the extensive benefits of Full Fibre broadband:
- Economic Growth: Contributing £66 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy by 2029.
- Job Creation: Enabling 620,000 people, including parents and older workers, to re-enter the workforce through flexible opportunities.
- Healthcare Advancements: Supporting five million online appointments annually by 2029—double the current figure.
- Educational Gains: Improving pass rates for 21,700 students in key subjects.
- Property Value Increases: Boosting the average home value by £1,900.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing car journeys and carbon emissions by allowing 1.4 million more people to work from home.
Government support and future plans
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens praised the milestone, stating:
“Reaching one million properties in Wales with ultrafast broadband is a significant achievement. Full Fibre broadband is essential for boosting growth and productivity in communities across Wales.”
Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, added: “The Welsh Government is committed to delivering the connectivity services that businesses, the public sector, and homes in Wales need to thrive. This milestone is a testament to that commitment.”
Openreach aims to expand its Fibre network to 25 million UK premises by 2026, with plans to reach 30 million by the decade’s end. Suzanne Rutherford, from Openreach’s Complex Engineering Wales, said:
“With Full Fibre now available to one million Welsh homes and businesses, we’re laying the groundwork for economic growth, job creation, and increased opportunities for remote work and digital innovation.”
To check Full Fibre availability, residents can use the Openreach postcode checker and contact their broadband provider to upgrade. More details can be found in the Cebr report at openreach.com/about/policy-hub.
Business
Tourist attractions to close in protest over tourism tax
WELSH tourist attractions will shut their doors for a day this week in protest against the Welsh Government’s proposed tourism tax. The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA), which represents over 100 major sites across the country, has announced a coordinated closure on Tuesday, December 10, following an emergency meeting.
Protest against tourism tax plans
The protest targets a proposed visitor levy that could be introduced in 2027. Under the plan, hotel, B&B, and self-catering guests would face a nightly charge of £1.25, with hostels and campsites paying a reduced rate of 75p. Local councils would have the option to implement the tax in their areas.
WAVA has warned the tax could severely damage the tourism sector. The group cited government-commissioned research suggesting the levy could lead to a £40 million loss in revenue and cost over 700 jobs in the industry, even with an estimated 1.6% drop in visitor numbers. Many industry leaders fear the actual impact could be far worse.
Industry leaders voice concerns
Anglesey Sea Zoo described the proposed tax as “one more blow” to an already struggling sector. “Welsh tourism hasn’t recovered since Covid,” she said. “People will go to England rather than pay a tax to holiday in Wales. This tax risks killing tourism.”
The Zoo’s management criticized rising operational costs such as minimum wage increases and VAT rates, which she compared unfavorably to European tourism markets. “Tourism tax works in Europe because they pay 8% VAT, not 20% like us,” she added.
Other WAVA members expressed similar concerns. One attraction owner estimated they would need an additional £25,000 annually to cover wage and national insurance increases. The sector has also reported a 23% drop in overnight visitors last year, with 60% of attractions experiencing fewer visitors than in 2023.
Calls for government action
In a statement, WAVA said: “Welsh tourism is the slowest to recover from Covid compared to other UK regions. All leading experts in Welsh tourism had advised the Welsh Government not to go ahead with a tourism tax.”
Tourism operators hope the closures will send a powerful message to policymakers, highlighting the challenges facing the industry and the potential consequences of the proposed levy.
Highlighting industry struggles
Tuesday’s closures aim to draw attention to the financial and operational pressures facing Welsh attractions. Rising costs, declining visitor numbers, and post-pandemic struggles have left the industry vulnerable, with leaders urging the Welsh Government to rethink the tourism tax and engage more closely with stakeholders.
Experts support the levy
Linda Osti, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management at Bangor University, said: “The introduction of a visitor levy is a significant step forward for Wales. Drawing on our research, it’s clear that when implemented thoughtfully, such levies can not only enhance the visitor experience but also address some of the environmental and social challenges posed by tourism. Hypothecating the funds for tourism-related projects is particularly important, ensuring that both locals and tourists see tangible benefits.”
Rhys ap Gwilym, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Bangor University, added: “Opponents often argue that a levy could discourage visitors, but our findings suggest otherwise. In many destinations worldwide, tourism taxes have actually contributed to a more sustainable and attractive tourism offering. By carefully considering local nuances, such as including day visitors or tailoring rates seasonally, Wales has a chance to lead the way in innovative tourism management.”
Both experts emphasized the importance of collaboration and flexibility in the levy’s design. They noted that empowering local authorities to manage revenues effectively could ensure the funds are used strategically. “A well-monitored and adaptable levy could act as a model for other regions,” said Dr. Osti. “Regular evaluations will be essential to refine the system and maintain its effectiveness over time.”
Dr. ap Gwilym concluded: “This levy is not just a tax; it’s an investment in Wales’s future as a sustainable and competitive destination. By learning from global best practices and addressing local challenges, we can ensure long-term benefits for communities and the economy alike.”
Business
People in Wales ‘most honest’ on financial applications
JUST 7% of people in Wales would consider providing false information to secure a preferential rate on financial products, according to new data from global information and insights company TransUnion. This is significantly below the UK average of 19%.
Despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, which see almost half of UK households (43%) struggling to keep up with inflation, Wales emerges as the most trustworthy part of the UK in this area. Northern Ireland (41%) and London (36%) top the list of regions where residents are most likely to consider providing inaccurate information for better financial deals.
Welsh honesty stands out
James Robinson, Managing Director of Consumer Interactive at TransUnion in the UK, praised the findings:
“It is heartening to see that most people stay honest when applying for financial products, despite experiencing continued strain on their finances – and that should be commended. It’s also worth noting that not everyone who says they would provide false information actually follows through. However, even a small minority of consumers doing so can cause significant challenges for financial providers and risks for the individuals involved.”
Legal ways to secure better deals
While Wales leads in financial honesty, the research highlights that some misrepresentation persists. For instance, 10% of respondents in Wales find it acceptable to use a different email address to access new customer deals, while 9% see no issue with being named as a driver on a vehicle they don’t use.
Robinson emphasized that even seemingly minor falsifications can be considered fraud, carrying severe legal and financial consequences. Instead of resorting to dishonesty, consumers are encouraged to explore legal alternatives. TransUnion suggests practical steps such as shopping around for deals, accessing pre-approved offers, or using credit monitoring tools to improve financial standing.
Credit monitoring proves effective
The research revealed that 87% of people in Wales who used a credit monitoring service found it helpful. Benefits included identifying steps to improve credit scores (38%), gaining a better understanding of credit mechanics (34%), and recognizing eligibility for specific loans or rates (16%). These measures reduce the temptation to falsify information.
Top tips for better financial deals
TransUnion offers the following advice for securing better financial terms without resorting to dishonesty:
- Check your credit score regularly
Monitoring your credit score can help you identify simple ways to improve it, such as registering to vote or setting up Direct Debits for minimum repayments. - Look for pre-approved offers
These deals are tailored to your credit profile, increasing the likelihood of approval and saving time. - Consider credit unions
Credit unions often provide competitive rates and ethical alternatives for borrowing. - Refinance or negotiate existing deals
Use credit monitoring tools to identify opportunities to lower rates on loans or credit cards. - Stay vigilant against fraud
Regularly check your credit profile to catch suspicious activity and protect your financial health.
Wales sets the standard
While challenges remain, the honesty displayed by most Welsh residents serves as a benchmark for the rest of the UK. By adopting legal strategies to secure better deals, consumers can safeguard their financial well-being while maintaining integrity.
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