PROPOSED CLOSURE OF COMPANIES HOUSE NANTGARW OFFICE

That this House notes with concern the proposed closure of Companies House at Nantgarw and the pay freeze imposed on staff who will be forced to relocate to Cardiff; considers that this decision is certain to impact negatively on the local economy; challenges the decision to translate the savings target of 11 per cent. set by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills into wholesale closure of Companies House's operation in the South Wales Valleys; questions the long-term benefit of this short-term efficiency saving; and urges the Government to consider the significant social and economic impact of moving 250 jobs out of this area of higher unemployment.