00:00Welsh Ministers have set out their draft budget for 2026-2027, proposing how public money
00:07will be spent across the country over the coming year.
00:11The draft, now under discussions in the Senate, include plans for health, education, housing,
00:16transport and climate change, alongside provisions for local government and public services.
00:22The budget document shows overall spending of just over £25 billion, with modest increases
00:27in key services.
00:28Health and social care see additional funding aimed at improving waiting times and supporting
00:32community services, while education gets extra resources for school, children with special
00:37educational needs and mental health support.
00:41Housing initiatives include continued investment in social housing and support for first-time
00:45buyers.
00:46Climate change is another key focus, with funding earmarked for net-zero energy projects, electric
00:51vehicle infrastructure and urban green initiatives.
00:55Local government will see a 2.5% increase in funding, though councils have warned that
00:59this may not fully cover rising costs and service pressures.
01:02In response to the budget, the Welsh Conservatives have criticised the proposals, calling it business
01:08as usual, and arguing it lacks bold reforms or ambition.
01:11Their spokesperson said local services are facing inflationary pressure, but this budget doesn't
01:16provide councils with the resources that they really need to protect vital services.
01:21Plaid Cymru welcomed the emphasis on regional investment and community support, describing
01:26some of the measures as a step in the right direction for tackling inequalities across Wales.
01:30Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats called for longer-term sustainability planning, urging ministers
01:35to focus on tackling housing shortages and environmental targets more aggressively.
01:42Other organisations have also weighed in.
01:44The Institute for Fiscal Studies highlighted that while the spending increases are positive,
01:48inflation and rising service costs could limit their real-world impact, warning that councils
01:52may still face difficult decisions about cuts or council tax rises.
01:56Meanwhile, the Welsh NHS Confederation said that additional funding for health services
02:01was welcomed, but called for clearer detail on how it will be allocated to reduce pressures
02:06in hospitals and community care.
02:09The Welsh Government need the budget to pass in the Senate, which could be difficult given
02:12their lack of a majority at the moment.
02:14They need other parties to support the budget, and the Welsh Conservatives have said they're
02:18open to conversations to get some of their plans into the budget in order for it to pass.
02:23As the budget negotiations continue between the Welsh Government and the Welsh Conservatives,
02:29will you ensure that growing the economy is the absolute central focus of that, and will
02:34you back our plan to scrap stamp duty in Wales to encourage more people to move back to Wales
02:38after they graduate?
02:42It's interesting when you look at the proportion of people in Wales who actually do not pay stamp
02:47duty currently.
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