Written Statement: Establishment of the Group on the Future of the Crown Estate in Wales

The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that the management and benefits of the Crown Estate in Wales are fully aligned with the interests of the people of Wales. 

In September of this year, the Deputy First Minister announced the creation of a group to consider the future of energy devolution and the Crown Estate in Wales in line with the recommendations of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales, and reflecting the motions from all 22 Welsh local authorities calling for the devolution of the Crown Estate.

I can confirm that the first meeting of this group took place today, agreeing its terms of reference and workplan for the next few months. Its members will include:

• Chair: Nick Butler - founding Chair of the Policy Institute at King’s College London and previous Group Vice President for Strategy and Policy Development at BP.
• Gwenllian Roberts – Former Director of Wales for Ofwat, Welsh Government Chief Regional Officer for North Wales, now Executive Director of Commercial Development at Grwp Llandrillo Menai.
• Gwion Lewis KC - Barrister in planning, environmental, and public law.
• John Howells - Former Climate Change Director for the Welsh Government.
• Michelle Davis – Partner at Jones Day advising on clean energy and sustainable development.
• Mike Palmer – Deputy Director for the Marine Directorate within the Scottish Government.
• Tim Peppin – Director at the Welsh Local Government Association. 

Note: Mike Palmer is sitting on the group initially as a Scottish Government Official.  He is due to retire from Scottish Government at the end of March 2026, from which point he will continue to attend the group, but will no longer represent the Scottish Government’s policy positions.

The review will focus on:

• The governance and accountability structures of the Crown Estate in Wales, including the role of the Welsh Commissioner and the Crown Estate’s board.
• The economic impact and financial outcomes of the Crown Estate’s activities in Wales.
• The practical and financial implications of devolution, including capacity requirements and potential adjustments to the Welsh block grant.
• Options for enhancing the accountability of the Crown Estate in Wales, including exploring revenue assignment and improved reporting mechanisms.

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for Wales and ensuring that the management of our natural resources supports our ambitions for net zero, nature restoration, economic growth, and social justice.