Brecon & Radnorshire MS James Evans has raised concerns about the increasing size and cost of the public sector, particularly within the civil service, warning that taxpayers are funding a growing bureaucracy that delivers little improvement in services.

Recent figures indicate public sector employment in the UK has reached 6.14 million, up 53,000 in just one year, with central government employment hitting a record four million. Separately, the Financial Times reports that the number of civil servants earning between £150,000 and £200,000 has risen by 44 per cent in a year, with some now paid more than the Prime Minister.

Mr Evans highlighted similar trends locally, noting that Powys County Council has doubled the number of employees earning more than £70,000 in the past two years. He also referenced a Welsh Government office in Llandrindod Wells, where attendance reportedly stands at just 12 per cent despite a £1 million refurbishment.

“People in Brecon and Radnorshire expect their taxes to fund more frontline staff - more doctors, dentists,nurses, and teachers - not endless layers of management and six-figure salaries in Government departments,” said Mr Evans.

“We need to cut bureaucracy, cut layers of top management and make sure these high paid employees are performing and bringing about results.”