Welcome to Corruption Bay

 

 

 

 

 

Corruption Bay

The nickname “Corruption Bay” for Cardiff Bay emerged from long-standing criticisms of how political and financial power was exercised during the regeneration of the former docklands and the governance culture surrounding the Senedd. Here are the main reasons often cited:

Cardiff Bay Development Corporation (CBDC) and Public Money:

 

  • After the decline of coal exports, Cardiff’s docklands became derelict. To regenerate the area, the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation was created in 1987.
  • Critics argue that this quango operated with extraordinary powers, including compulsory purchase and planning overrides, enabling land deals and development projects that allegedly favored private and corporate interests over public benefit.
  • Key figures involved, such as Nicholas Edwards (former Secretary of State for Wales) and Sir Geoffrey Inkin, were accused of leveraging political connections for influence. This fueled claims of “blatant and systematic abuse” of public funds for private gain.

Lack of Transparency and Lobbying Oversight

Wales does not have a statutory lobbying register, unlike some other legislatures. This means there is no mandatory record of who lobbies Members of the Senedd, on what issues, and with what financial backing.

Transparency International UK and other bodies have repeatedly called for a formal lobbying register to prevent undue influence and restore public trust. The absence of such measures reinforces perceptions of secrecy and favoritism

Media and Institutional Silence

Critics claim that Welsh media and political institutions either turned a blind eye or were too cautious to challenge powerful interests during the Bay’s redevelopment era.

This perceived lack of scrutiny allowed narratives of corruption to flourish, cementing the term “Corruption Bay” in public discourse.

Historical Context

Cardiff Bay was rebranded from Tiger Bay, a historically multicultural dockland community, during regeneration in the 1990s. Some argue that the transformation sidelined local voices and prioritized corporate-led gentrification, adding to the sense of injustice.

It is widely accepted amongst people in Wales that the Senedd is Corrupt!

There has been many cases whereby monies have been spent on issues that have not made Wales a better place to bring up a family and to live and work...A two tier Wales!

John Smith

Founder

Emma Thompson

Co-founder

Benjamin Wood

Design Director

Oliver Hartman

Customer Service Manager