Welsh ministers to press PM on Budget concerns at Glasgow meeting
Welsh ministers are set to raise concerns over funding, rail investment and devolved powers following criticism of the UK Budget, as talks with the Prime Minister take place in Glasgow.
Welsh Government ministers are expected to press the Prime Minister on funding, rail investment and greater financial powers for Wales when they meet in Glasgow.
It comes after the Welsh Government described the UK Budget as “completely underwhelming”, saying it failed to address key priorities for the country.
Finance Minister Elin Jones said there was no additional funding to meet inflationary pressures on public services, while calls for a £1bn contribution towards rail infrastructure were also unanswered.
She said Wales needed greater financial flexibility to spend its funding more effectively, arguing that powers available to Scotland should also be extended to Wales.
Ms Jones accused the UK Government of failing to recognise Wales’s needs, saying the Budget had overlooked several proposals put forward by Welsh ministers.
The Welsh Government is also seeking further support for businesses facing rising costs, particularly those on the high street.
Ministers say they will continue to examine measures announced for England before deciding whether further business rate support is needed in Wales.
The Budget did, however, provide additional funding for a £100 payment to people living in council tax bands A to D in Wales, which the Welsh Government has confirmed it will introduce.
The Glasgow meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for ministers to renew their calls for a better funding settlement and greater devolution of financial powers.
The meeting comes after the Prime Minister announced plans to bring together the leaders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at a National Economic Council summit in October, aimed at boosting economic growth across the UK.
During a visit to Tata Steelworks in Port Talbot, he said he wanted leaders across the country to work towards creating “good jobs in every community”.
He also suggested Wales and Scotland could consider devolving more powers to cities and regions, following England’s model of regional mayors.
The proposals come amid wider discussions about the balance of power between Westminster and the devolved governments.