Plaid Cymru Slams Chancellor’s Budget for Overlooking Welsh Needs

The leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, has condemned the recent Budget presented by the Chancellor, arguing that it fails to address the specific needs of Wales. In a statement following the Chancellor’s announcement, Iorwerth emphasized that the Budget continues to perpetuate economic unfairness towards the nation.

Iorwerth stated, “This Budget makes one thing clear, Wales is being short-changed again.” He criticized the absence of new fiscal powers and funding for transport, noting that Wales currently holds weaker fiscal powers than any other devolved nation. As a result, the ability to invest in the Welsh economy remains severely limited. He highlighted that the Treasury is withholding over £4 billion owed to Wales in transport funding.

The Plaid Cymru leader pointed out that the Budget did not address rising costs associated with National Insurance and Inheritance Tax, which he claims are placing significant stress on both the public and private sectors in Wales. “Labour promised change but today proves there is none,” he remarked, expressing disappointment in the lack of substantial action to mitigate the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Iorwerth had advocated for measures such as reducing VAT on household energy bills and reassessing standing charges, which he believes would alleviate financial pressures on Welsh families. He noted that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) report indicates that real household disposable income and living standards are expected to decline as a result of the Budget decisions.

While Iorwerth acknowledged the scrapping of the two-child cap as a positive step—something Plaid Cymru has campaigned for years—he stressed that Welsh families will still struggle with high energy bills and escalating costs. He described Labour’s approach to taxation as “dishonest and chaotic,” criticizing the decision to freeze income tax thresholds for working individuals instead of imposing wealth taxes on the richest and large banks.

The Plaid Cymru leader pointed to weeks of inconsistent announcements and mixed messages from the government that have left households and businesses confused. He asserted, “Labour has no plan – and the people of Wales deserve better.”

Iorwerth emphasized that Plaid Cymru has provided clear proposals to the Secretary of State for Wales, yet they have been ignored. He lamented the lack of progress on significant issues such as the return of billions owed from HS2 and the devolution of the Crown Estate, alongside insufficient support for families struggling with rising living costs.

He concluded by expressing that people in Wales deserved a Budget that acknowledged decades of underinvestment and the real pressures on households. “Instead, we see more of the same,” he stated, indicating that as the Senedd election approaches in May 2024, it is evident that Labour has abandoned the needs of Wales.

Plaid Cymru remains committed to providing the leadership, ambition, and fairness that Iorwerth believes Wales requires.