Davies MS Demands Answers Over Ceredigion Council Farm Controversy
Paul Davies MS has called for full transparency and independent scrutiny following serious questions raised over Ceredigion County Council's multimillion-pound purchase of Llettytwppa Farm near Lampeter.
The Conservative Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro has raised concerns in the Senedd ( Tuesday 13th October) following a Cambrian News investigation into the council's acquisition of the farm and its development as an agricultural education centre.
The investigation revealed that a £2 million Welsh Government loan had been arranged in March 2025, months before councillors were asked to approve the purchase in June.
The newspaper also raised questions about recruitment decisions, family connections involving senior council figures, potential conflicts of interest and whether elected members had been given sufficient information to scrutinise the project.
The council purchased the farm for approximately £1.85 million, with a further £600,000 allocated to its development.
The Cambrian News has also questioned student numbers and whether the investment represents value for money.
Mr Davies said the allegations, while not findings of wrongdoing, were serious enough to warrant proper examination.
Paul Davies MS said: "These are extremely concerning reports involving millions of pounds of public money, and I think taxpayers across Ceredigion are entitled to some straight answers.
"One of the most troubling aspects is the suggestion that a £2 million loan was arranged months before elected councillors were asked to approve the purchase. If that is the case, serious questions need to be answered about the decision-making process and the level of democratic oversight.
"There are also questions surrounding recruitment, potential conflicts of interest and whether proper procedures were followed.
"Let me be clear, I fully support investment in agricultural education and creating opportunities for young people in our rural communities. But that investment must be transparent, properly scrutinised and demonstrate value for money.
"Senior council officials hold positions of considerable responsibility, and with that comes accountability. No one should be beyond scrutiny when public money is involved.”
"These allegations must be examined fairly and thoroughly, and I believe there is a strong case for independent scrutiny to establish the facts and restore public confidence."
Ceredigion County Council has maintained that recruitment was undertaken in accordance with its procedures and that the Chief Executive was not involved in recruitment within individual council services.
The council has also defended the educational purpose of the project, highlighting its ambition to develop agricultural skills and training opportunities.
The matter is expected to be examined at the council's Learning Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 12 November.
Mr Davies added: "Ultimately, this is about public trust. People need confidence that decisions involving substantial sums of taxpayers' money are being made properly, that conflicts of interest are appropriately managed and that elected councillors are able to hold senior officials to account.
"I've raised these concerns in the Senedd, and I'll continue pressing for the answers that the public deserves."