Gilestone Farm

The Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee has agreed to scrutinise the Welsh Government’s purchase of Gilestone Farm.  The Committee’s work has focussed on the following areas:

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>>> The background to the purchase decision

>>> The powers, policy framework and financial considerations underlying the Welsh Government’s purchase decision

>>> The purchase decision process

>>> The purchase price and short-term lease back arrangement

>>> The long-term lease position

>>> Wider implications

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The Committee held an oral evidence session with the Welsh Government on 14 July 2022, and followed up by writing to the Welsh Government on 8 August 2022.

The Committee’s letter:

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***noted their understanding of further inquiries being undertaken by Audit Wales regarding the circumstances leading to the purchase of Gilestone Farm;

***asked for clarification on specific matters that had since been raised by third parties since the evidence session.

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The Welsh Government responded to the Committee’s letter on 26 September 2022.

The Auditor General wrote to the Committee on 19 January 2023 setting out the findings from his review of events leading up to the Welsh Government’s purchase of Gilestone Farm. The findings were considered in private by the Committee at its meeting on 2 February 2023.

In order to assist the Committee further in its approach to future scrutiny, they wrote to the Welsh Government on 10 February 2023 requesting:

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***confirmation regarding ongoing due diligence around plans put forward by companies associated with Green man Festival;

***the anticipated timetable for any future decisions on the use of the farm.

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The Welsh Government responded on 14 March 2023.

The Committee is aware of unresolved issues relating to the Welsh Governments ongoing arrangements with the current lease of Gilestone Farm, which we understand were extended beyond the original date of the lease ending on 31 October 2023.

The Committee is still awaiting information on any Ministerial decision-making about this or any alternative contingency arrangements or extensions that have been put in place. The Committee’s work is on hold until it has further information.