A LOCAL councillor is giving his backing to a new campaign focused on devolving the Crown Estate to Wales.

Cllr Clive Davies told the Tivy-Side the estate in Wales was worth around £850m with 25 per cent of the current generated income going to the Royal Family and the remaining 75 per cent to the UK Government.

“Yet in Scotland the Crown Estate was devolved some seven years ago through provisions in the Scotland Act 2016 (the Scotland Act) on April 1, 2017,” he said.

“In the context of Ceredigion as well as pockets of land across the county, most of the Cardigan Bay coastline is owned by the King.

“His ownership stretches from the coastline starting near Borth down through Trefechan, Llanrhystud, Aberarth, Aberaeron and New Quay.

“This includes beaches such as Traeth Llangrannog, Tresaith and Aberporth Beach, as well as areas of the Afon Teifi.”

Now Siarter Cartrefi, in partnership with Welsh Labour MP Beth Winter and Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts, are holding an online open meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, January 30, with the support of actor Michael Sheen, to launch the new campaign.

The MPs will give an update on the Cross Party Bill in Parliament to Devolve the Crown Rights and a short video message of support from Michael Sheen will be screened, before opening up a discussion.

Cllr Davies added: "There is a strong mandate to devolve the Crown Estate in Wales.

"A YouGov poll in Spring 2023 showed a majority of Welsh voters in favour of devolving the Crown Estate - only 19 per cent opposed this.

"Investing the profits from our natural resources into a Sovereign Wealth Fund for public benefit is widely perceived as an important step towards addressing the needs of the people of Wales."

"Devolving the Crown Estate is seen as a way of addressing poverty in Welsh communities and as a way of building agency and resilience. Local Authorities are under huge financial pressure, historically under funded, devolving the Crown Estate is one significant step in addressing unfairness and lack of investment in Welsh communities.

"I would encourage anyone interested in the subject to attend the online meeting being organised."

The link to the event is https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/devolve-the-crown-estate-open-meeting-tickets-796077728917