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The Budget

It was six audits. A structure that insists on six audits of a successful project is saying, ““If you show initiative and a willingness to work hard on behalf of the economy and businesses of Wales, you will be rewarded with six audits.”” That says everything that we need to know about why that Department is not working to the satisfaction of businesses in Wales. Hon. Members do not need to hear from me about the Department of Economy and Transport’s lack of performance, because we have received leaked letters from its staff. I know many staff at the Department, and they are hard-working and committed to supporting businesses in all parts of Wales. They feel, however, that they are not led properly and that they face reorganisations time and time again. I am sure that the hon. Member for Clwyd South will remember that it was also said that if someone talks to an officer in the Department, when they go back, that person has always moved. The evidence comes from the officers themselves, who have leaked comments. They have said that top management of the Department lack leadership skills and the ability to motivate staff. Staff have stated that there is no ability within the Department to understand, lead and manage change. We have also heard comments from staff who say that the Department of Economy and Transport in Wales is supposed to be open for business, but it is not. We have heard that staff morale in the Department is at a record low, and I can attest to that.