The Welsh Government have confirmed that they are reviewing their business requirements for accommodation in Powys, including Ladywell House in Newtown.
The Welsh Government could be preparing to close its long-standing office in Newtown, according to Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George.
Ladywell House in Newtown is now owned by Powys County Council; the offices are leased to several organisations including the Welsh Government who once owned the building. The building has long been the home of Government organisations, such as the Development Board for Rural Wales.
The Montgomeryshire MS pressed the First Minister during First Ministers Questions this week (15/07/2025), citing a written response he received confirming that Ladywell House is part of an ongoing review of Government business accommodation across the region.
Mr George expressed concern over the potential impact on local jobs and the wider economy of the town and called on the First Minister to recognise the importance of maintaining a Welsh Government presence across the whole of Wales – not just made up of those who live in the Cardiff area.
In a written response to Russell George earlier this year, the First Minister confirmed that the Welsh Government was reviewing its accommodation in Powys, including at Ladywell house which currently has 79 employees whose contractual base is located within the building.
Responding to Mr George in the Senedd this week, the First Minister confirmed that the review was underway and acknowledged that changes in working patterns, including remote working, were influencing the Welsh Government’s office strategy. The First Minister added that staff were being encouraged to return to offices but warned that underused sites could face closure if office attendance remained low.
Mr George is now calling on the Welsh Government to confirm its intentions regarding Ladywell House and to ensure that rural communities like Newtown are not overlooked in future plans.
Commenting, following the exchange in the Senedd, Mr George said:
“In the Senedd this week, I raised the future of Ladywell House in Newtown with the First Minister.’’
“This site has housed Welsh Government offices for decades. Around 80 staff are contractually based at Ladywell House. These jobs don’t just support the individuals and families directly involved; they also provide vital support to town centre shops and local services.”
“The review has understandably raised concerns. If the Government is actively reviewing its office estate in Powys, then the future of a Welsh Government presence in Montgomeryshire must be considered at risk.
‘’I pressed the First Minister to provide clarity and reassurance, as it is important to Government employees and retains people who live in mid Wales to make the Welsh Government more reflective of the needs and requirements of all people, from all communities across Wales.”