Commenting on the Coalition Government’s further announcement on the Silk Commission’s recommendations, Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said:
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long argued that the Welsh Government should be given tax varying and borrowing powers. I am pleased that the Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury came to Wales to give further details on the coalition government’s response to the Silk Commission.
“Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister and Danny Alexander have been strong advocates of transferring more powers from Westminster to Wales. The principles of empowerment and responsibility, which are referenced in the title of the Silk Commission’s report, are the cornerstones of how the Liberal Democrats have approached how devolution should develop in Wales.
“For too long we’ve had a ludicrous system where councils and housing associations have been able to borrow money to invest in capital projects, but not the Welsh Government. The announcement today by Danny Alexander is an important step forward for Wales.
“At every stage we have been pressing, and we will continue to press, to bring more accountability and responsibility to the Welsh Government. We want Wales to have further powers to drive forward Wales’ economic development, creating jobs and prosperity for our people.”
