Janet Finch-Saunders AM is calling on the Welsh Government to do more to encourage economic growth and business confidence in North West Wales with the aim of increasing wages. This follows the Member’s finding that Anglesey, Conwy, and Gwynedd are amongst the local authorities in Wales which have the lowest average gross weekly earnings.

Gwynedd: £421

Conwy: £449

Anglesey: £467

Janet said:

“It is alarming that of all 22 local authority areas in Wales, on average people are least well off in Anglesey, Conwy, and Gwynedd.

“This is a serious issue as it means that not only a county focused strategy is needed, but one for the whole of North West Wales. This is clear when considering that its average, £446, is significantly less than the North East Wales average of £509, and Wales average of £490.

“I believe in aspiration, and want to see hard work rewarded with fair pay. This cannot be achieved if some of parts of the public sector in Wales continue to fail to pay at least the living wage, and whilst the Welsh Government continue to fail with its inadequate business rate relief support”.

ENDS

Notes

GREAT BRITISH WAGE-OFF Find out which district of the UK gets paid the most as it emerges some areas earn TWICE as much as others

Welsh councils paying less than Living Wage

Rates shocker for Conwy and Gwynedd firms where bills will rise more than any other county in Wales

Provisional Average (median) gross weekly earnings by Welsh local areas in 2017 (£)