In a crucial move, the Welsh Government has successfully passed its budget for the upcoming financial year, amounting to a substantial £26 billion. This budget allocation covers essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and local councils, and the approval of this budget was deemed critical to prevent potential financial losses for Wales. The passage of this budget required the support or abstention of at least one member of the Senedd, as the Labour party holds exactly half of the available 60 seats in the assembly.
The pivotal support for the budget came from Jane Dodds, the Liberal Democrat MS for Mid and West Wales, who struck a deal with the Welsh Government. This agreement resulted in an additional £100 million in expenditure, focusing on areas such as social care, childcare, environmental initiatives, transportation improvements, and the protection of essential council services. Furthermore, a significant aspect of the deal includes a pilot scheme to cap bus fares at £1 for young individuals, along with a commitment to pursue a ban on greyhound racing.
During the budget debate in the Senedd chamber, Finance Minister Mark Drakeford emphasised the positive impact of the budget, stating that it represents an opportunity to transition from austerity towards investment and growth. Despite acknowledging that the budget cannot fully reverse the damage caused by years of austerity, Drakeford highlighted the historical milestone of exceeding £3 billion in capital spending for the first time, within the £26 billion budget framework.
Drakeford commended Jane Dodds for her support, noting that her actions prioritised the interests of the Welsh population above political disagreements. He criticised Plaid Cymru for voting against the budget and highlighted the risks associated with rejecting the financial plan, asserting that such a decision could endanger billions of pounds in funding crucial to Wales. Drakeford further condemned Plaid Cymru’s approach, accusing them of lacking a clear budget strategy and failing to engage constructively in budget negotiations.
In response to criticism, Plaid Cymru defended their decision to vote against the budget, stressing the importance of addressing existing challenges adequately. While acknowledging certain positive aspects of the budget, such as continued investments in key areas like childcare, Plaid Cymru expressed concerns that the budget fell short in effectively tackling the nation’s broader issues. They reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively to secure fair funding and resources for Wales.
The Conservative finance spokesperson, Sam Rowlands, expressed disappointment in the budget, characterising it as a temporary solution rather than a transformative strategy for Wales. Rowlands emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms to address the underlying problems faced by many in Wales. The passage of this budget, albeit with its associated complexities and compromises, sets the financial roadmap for Wales in the upcoming year, marking a significant milestone in the Welsh Government’s fiscal planning.