I HAVE become increasing alarmed at the rising cost of devolution in Wales. When the idea of the Assembly was mooted it was sold as costing no more than the old Welsh Office. Since then costs have ballooned uncontrollably and now takes £500 million out of the Welsh economy every year, 10 times that of the old Welsh Office.

To put into perspective, that’s £166 for every man, woman and child in Wales every year, and with Carwyn Jones wanting extra responsibilities those costs will spiral again.

If for these additional costs services had improved then most would not complain, but as it is we are actually paying extra for an inferior service. Health, education and the economy have all deteriorated.

It has to be said some have benefited from devolution.Assembly employees and the political junta down the Bay enjoy above-market-rate salaries and terms and conditions that would be the envy of most who actually generate the taxes in the private sector.

How much longer can Wales afford this non-productive self-serving bureaucracy which is slowly running Wales into the ground?

C Bradley Caerleon Road Newport