Ambitious Spending Plans For Wales Revealed

The Welsh Government's spending plans for the next three years were announced by Finance Minister Jane Hutt this week.

The Minister set out a Budget for growth and jobs which will support delivery of the ambitious Programme for Government published last week.

Minister Jane Hutt said: "We have a responsibility to use all the levers we have to stimulate the economy against the backdrop of failing economic performance, with the UK Government having no credible plan for long term growth.

"Our vision for Wales is for a more prosperous economy with better, more efficient public services that equip people to fulfil their potential and maximise their contribution to society and the economy."

The Minister emphasised that, despite the tough financial climate and the cuts imposed by the UK Government, the Welsh Government has maximised the resources available to support the priorities that matter to the people of Wales - jobs and growth, education, health and stronger communities.

Key measures in the Budget include £75 million invested over the next three years in our new Jobs Growth Wales scheme that will help 4,000 young people every year through tailored training and employment opportunities and £55 million to extend the successful Flying Start scheme which will help an additional 18,000 children as well as an extra £27 million for schools in 2014/15, which means school budgets will continue to grow faster than the overall Welsh budget.

In addition, an extra £288 million is to be invested into the NHS in Wales over the next three years and an additional investment to recruit 500 new Police Community Support Officers across Wales has been promised too.

Ms Hutt emphasised the importance of capital investment, which is vital to modern public services but also to supporting the economy.

"I am spearheading the development of a National Infrastructure Plan for Wales, alongside innovative funding solutions.

"It cannot be right for Wales to be the only part of the UK denied access to borrowing to fund capital investment.

"That's why I am continuing to negotiate with the UK Government through the current inter-governmental talks to achieve fair funding and direct access to borrowing," she said.

"We are also working closely with local government and other partners to maximise existing borrowing capacity and explore all potential mechanisms to boost investment in public sector infrastructure over the next few years."

(BMcC/CD)