Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the latest budget from the Welsh Government and believes the plans prioritise the key principles of Welsh Labour and will deliver for the people of Wales.
Protecting the NHS and schools, boosting economic growth and jobs and tackling poverty and protecting the vulnerable are the key aims of the Welsh Government’s spending priorities for 2014-15.
The Welsh Government has set out how it will invest £15bn per year over the next two years to achieve a healthier and more prosperous nation, despite the fact the budget has faced unprecedented cuts by the Tory-led UK Government. By 2015-16 Wales’ budget will be nearly £1.7bn lower in real terms than it was in 2011.
Despite the cuts and difficult economic climate, the Welsh Government’s budget aims to prioritise and protect investment in the NHS, schools and universal benefit. In addition to delivering high quality services for the people of Wales, the Welsh Labour Government is also committed to investing in three key areas – creating growth and jobs for the Welsh economy, improving educational attainment and supporting people in deprived communities across Wales.
Commenting Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said:
“This latest Welsh Government spending plan is based on principles of fairness and social justice.”
“The NHS will receive an additional funding package of £570m over three years and almost £620m will be invested into key infrastructure projects across Wales, ultimately supporting up to 11,000 jobs.”
“The successful Jobs Growth Wales programme will be extended, creating over 16,000 positions in total and the Welsh Government will continue to protect universal benefits, with free prescriptions, free school breakfasts and milk, free swimming and concessionary fares remaining and helping to relieve the impact of the rising cost of living.”
“Undoubtedly, difficult decisions have been made. Financial realities and restrictions from the UK Coalition Government has increased the pressure on the Welsh Government and forced certain priorities to be made.”
“However, the Welsh Government has proved again it can govern through difficult times and this latest budget demonstrates a principled and effective response that will cater for the needs and stand up for the people of Wales.”
