Madam,
I note with interest that the Welsh Government has admitted there have been weaknesses in their approach to selling Wales to the world and Eluned Morgan, the newly created international relations minister, will address these failings.
The External Affairs Committee’s report, “Wales’ future relationship with Europe and the world”, called for better engagement with the Welsh diaspora and expats, as Wales had been far less successful than other similar-sized countries in working with Welsh people overseas to promote the country.
I am one of those Welsh expats. I thought that by buying a cottage in north Wales I might be able to help promote our country by inviting friends to use it to explore the beauty of the Welsh countryside, and of course to spend money. Without exception, all of them have commented on the breathtaking scenery, the great golf courses and the amazing adventure facilities. Hopefully they have passed this on to their friends who will now make Wales the first stop on their UK holidays.
In return, Gwynedd Council has decided to charge me an additional 50 per cent on my council tax bill for having the audacity to want to live in Wales for part of the year. A truly outstanding example of how to achieve the Welsh Government’s aim of a “better engagement with the Welsh diaspora and expats!"
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