The BBC report that two new reports have heavily criticised the Welsh Assembly Government’s overseas business promotion arm. The performance of International Business Wales (IBW) is described as mixed at best, and there are questions over 10% of staff expenses.
IBW was embroiled in a political row in July when First Minister Rhodri Morgan was forced to apologise to the Welsh Liberal Democrats. He firmly denied claims they had made about staff expenses, which later turned out to be true.
Two reports were commissioned. The first, an audit of expenses, has found some policies for staff expenses claims abroad are unclear. Other claims, for items including business and first class flights, need further investigation and future disciplinary action, the report says.
The second, an evaluation of the performance of IBW, finds that it has significantly underperformed in the United States, Asia and some parts of Europe over the past five years.
Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: “In July, we uncovered evidence of questionable use of public money at IBW and raised concerns about its performance. These reports justify our concerns in both areas. On performance, the report finds that IBW has not developed a strong brand, has failed to take advantage of opportunities from emerging economies like India and China and has left Wales at the bottom of the 12 UK regions when it comes to safeguarding jobs. Amazingly, the report states that IBW has operated in a ‘silo’ – precisely what the bringing in of the former WDA was intended to avoid.”
“On the issue of expenses, the report confirms our very worst fears about the culture of spending in IBW. The failure of Government to ensure that taxpayer’s money is spent wisely and effectively is clear for all to see.”
“We hope that the government will start by accepting all of the recommendations in these reports. We also believe that Government should strongly consider whether IBW can continue to exist in its current form.”
Jenny Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Economy Minister added: “The Deputy First Minister will doubtless say he’s taking steps to make changes, but the horse has already bolted. Large amounts of public money have been squandered on a failing organisation the Government has direct responsibility for. These reports demonstrate poor leadership, poor policy and even poor record keeping at the heart of efforts to boost the Welsh economy.”
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