Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has expressed her concern for the future of the tax office in Brecon.
The local AM has learnt that 32 of the jobs in the Brecon office are under threat as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) implement a national cost-cutting exercise.
Ms Williams said: "I understand that HMRC intend to keep a 'presence' in the town, but it is unclear exactly what that would entail. Losing these jobs would be a real blow to the local economy, and my thoughts are with the staff of the Brecon office, who face an uncertain future as their jobs are relocated to Cardiff. I just cannot understand the rationale behind this decision. I have already talked to my Welsh Liberal Democrat colleague Roger Williams MP about this matter, and together we will be lobbying the Assembly and Westminster Government's for a reversal of this decision."
Ms Williams understands that the office is to lose the majority of its staff by 2008, making the closest tax office Carmarthen or Welshpool. Across Wales as a whole, 1,000 jobs will be lost as offices are closed and staff numbers reduced to save money.
