Plaid Cymru and Welsh Liberal Democrats have secured investment that equates to £100 million by working together on the Welsh Government’s latest budget.
As a result of the deal the government’s draft budget, which will be announced today, will include provision for
- an Intermediate Care Fund
- the doubling of the Pupil Deprivation Grant
- a health technology and telemedicine fund
- the Supporting People Programme.
The Party of Wales leader Leanne Wood said:
“Plaid Cymru wanted to secure a deal to help people in the short term – a deal that will make a practical difference to people’s lives, now, today. This deal does that.
“Our Close to Home Healthcare Package will deliver care to patients at home and in their communities. It will start to bridge the gap between health care and social care, helping local authorities to provide more care at home. The package will address head-on the problem of delayed transfers of care which will in turn reduce hospital waiting times.
“Investing in prostate care treatment means that Welsh patients won’t have to cross the border for vital treatment, saving the costs of eye-watering private medical bills.
“We have also secured investment to a health technology and telemedicine fund to bring specialist care closer to patients, saving both time and money in pockets as people won’t have to travel to hospital for many non-urgent visits.
“Plaid Cymru wants to break the link between poverty and attainment, so we are pleased to have been able to secure a deal whereby the Pupil Deprivation Grant has been extended. This will target funding directly at disadvantaged students. The Party of Wales wants this increased expenditure to have the most positive impact possible, which is why we also welcome the Welsh Government’s review into its effectiveness.
“I’m proud of what Plaid Cymru has been able to achieve by working together with the Liberal Democrats. By joining forces, we have been able to deliver the best possible deal for the people of Wales.”
Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said:
“Giving poorer pupils a better start in life was a key pledge in the Welsh Liberal Democrat’s 2011 manifesto and it is a policy that we have pushed for at every given opportunity since. We have more than doubled the amount of money going to disadvantaged pupils meaning that the education budget will benefit from an additional £35m.
“It is not right that a child’s future is determined by their family background and not their own abilities. With this grant, we are breaking the link between poverty and attainment that has dogged our education system for too long. Sadly, schools in Wales have suffered from years of under-investment from the Welsh Labour Government. Today we are taking big steps to change that.
“Welsh Liberal Democrats were not elected to the Assembly to turn our backs on the desperate need to improve education funding in Wales. We may have a small group in the National Assembly, but our influence in these budget negotiations will have a big impact on children’s lives.
“We have also been able to agree a package that will help take the stress out of Labour’s failing NHS. Our hospitals are struggling under pressure and this fund will alleviate some of that stress by keeping patients out of our A&E, reduce unplanned admission and ensure timely from district general hospitals.
“I am pleased that we were able to push for more funding for our Health Technology Fund. Investing in modern and innovative medical technologies is key to ensuring that the people of Wales get the best treatment in our NHS.
“Joint working on the budget has delivered a strong and effective budget for the people of Wales.”
