Responding to today’s draft Budget debate, Welsh Conservative and Shadow Finance Minister, Peter Fox MS, said:
“Following two years of restrictions, Wales now has the opportunity to rebuild out of the pandemic thanks to record funding delivered to Wales from the UK Conservative Government. However, in order to do so, Wales needs a government willing to deliver real, tangible change rather than rely on empty rhetoric.
“Thanks to the Chancellor, the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay has an extra £2.5 billion per year on average to support Welsh families and businesses on top of its annual funding of £15.9 billion. It is therefore vital that this funding is used in an innovative and effective manner, funding public services, investing in infrastructure and supporting businesses across the country.
“Twenty-two years of Labour has resulted in stagnant economic policies, a deteriorating NHS and an ever-worsening housing crisis. It is long past time ministers in Cardiff Bay woke up and took meaningful action to address the concerns that many people in Wales face.
“As I have previously said, Welsh Conservatives are deeply disappointed to see no funding stream has been made available to deliver regional surgical and diagnostic hubs to tackle the huge NHS waiting lists, whist the failure to earmark significant funding for road infrastructure will continue to hold back Wales’ economic potential.
“Welsh Conservatives also believe the extra investment should be used to increase pupil funding to rectify historic underfunding of Welsh learners, support economic recovery through an extension of the business rates holiday and provide Wales with an infrastructure fit for the 21st century.
“Rather than blame the UK Government for all of their own mediocrity, Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay need to step up and accept the responsibilities of running a government and deliver real change for the people of Wales.”
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