Welsh Government’s Spending Plans Under Scrutiny by Senedd Members

The finance minister of Wales, Rebecca Evans, recently faced questioning by members of the Senedd with regards to the proposed spending cuts that would impact public services in Wales. During a meeting of the Senedd’s finance committee, Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru MS and committee chair, inquired about the potential winners and losers arising from the 2024/25 draft budget.

In her testimony, Ms. Evans highlighted the decision to allocate an additional £450 million to the NHS, while acknowledging that it may not fully address existing pressures. She also mentioned that the basic payment scheme for farmers, worth over £200 million, has been safeguarded, despite significant cuts in the rural affairs portfolio.

Labour MS, Mike Hedges, raised concerns about the prioritisation of the basic payment scheme over issues affecting disadvantaged communities, questioning the decision-making process behind the protection of certain areas such as rail and enterprise zones. In response, Ms. Evans reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding frontline public services, providing support to households affected by the rising cost of living, and focusing on employment opportunities.

In response to enquiries about the HS2 railway project and consequential funding for Wales, Ms. Evans highlighted the absence of any funding received thus far. Moreover, discussions on the increase in UK Government spending for health and social care, alongside additional allocations for schools, led to questions about the impact on Wales and the proposed expansion of the Welsh Parliament.

There was further deliberation on the allocation of funds for various sectors, including the NHS, rural affairs, and local government. Ms. Evans stressed the challenges faced by health boards in Wales and the reallocation of resources within the health portfolio. She also highlighted the Welsh Government’s commitment to providing flexibility to councils in managing their budgets.

The issue of tax policy reforms and concerns about the potential disparities in tax payments between Wales and England were addressed by Ms. Evans. She cited ongoing progress in reforming council tax and business rates, while outlining the intended changes to the relief offered to retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses. The minister also acknowledged the impact of Brexit on Wales, particularly the loss of significant EU funds, emphasising the challenges in bridging this funding gap.

Moving forward, a Senedd debate on the draft budget is scheduled for January 9, with a vote expected in early March.

In conclusion, the scrutiny of the Welsh Government’s spending plans reflects the importance of transparency and accountability in financial decision-making. The discussions within the Senedd committee shed light on the complexities of budget allocations and the prioritisation of resources to address key priorities within Wales. With ongoing debates and consultations, the Welsh Government is committed to navigating the financial challenges while striving to meet the needs of its citizens.