News that Wales is to benefit from an additional £400 million to its capital budget has been welcomed by the Farmers’ Union of Wales, but 'urgent attention' remains in some areas.
The union stresses the Welsh government should focus their support on rural communities and improving living standards, with broadband being an area that requires 'urgent attention.'
In his Autumn Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond said: “The investments I have outlined today will have benefits right across the Union. Research and development funding will benefit the United Kingdom as a whole and where responsibility for infrastructure investment rests with the devolved administration in Wales, they will receive the appropriate funding share.
“It is also great news that today I can also confirm wider investments for Wales including working towards new city deals, better broadband and more money for research and development.”
'Urgent improvement to our rural areas'
Commenting on the news, FUW President Glyn Roberts said the extra £400 million for the Welsh economy is 'welcome news', but stresses that the Welsh government should ensure the money is used to make 'urgent improvements' to rural areas, including broadband available for rural businesses and communities.
“Our rural towns and villages have been left behind in the race for better and faster connectivity and it is critical for the sake of rural businesses and the economy, that tangible improvements are made now. 2% of our population produce around 60% of our food. Yet there is a significant part of that 2% who remain unable to connect to the internet from their farms,” Mr Roberts said.
The FUW has stressed that those without a connection cannot diversify their businesses, that they cannot support children with homework and that they cannot connect readily with government programmes for advice and support payments 'as they are mandated to do'.
“Government talks about ‘future proofing’ our economy in light of Brexit and investment in broadband should therefore be a top priority for the Welsh administration, given the wider economic benefits it will bring to our rural communities,” added Mr Roberts.
