Local health and education services are the biggest winners in the Assembly Government's budget, with spending in Wales set to double since 1999, as Finance Minister Andrew Davies announced the Draft budget for 2008-09. The proposals that were set out detailed the spending plans for the next three years.
Mid & West Wales Labour AM Joyce Watson has welcomed the budget and said that the extra £3.64 billion for frontline public services shows people can trust Welsh Labour to deliver on their promises. This year's budget is over £2bn higher than last year's, and by 2011 will total more than twice as much as the Assembly's first £7billion budget in 1999.
The spending plans for the next three years will deliver:
- £3.64bn of new investment in public services, including £1.2bn extra for health
- Making an affordable home a reality for those who need it - to ensure 6,500 new affordable homes by 2011
- Action to tackle climate change - more money for recycling and flood defences
- More investment in local and national transport - including public transport
- Further funding for modern apprenticeships and the new Welsh curriculum
- Extra help for pensioners to pay council tax
- More childcare places
JOYCE WATSON AM said:
“The people of Mid & West Wales want more and better jobs, more affordable housing, more childcare, better schools and hospitals and action on climate change.
“Welsh Labour wants to meet the rising aspirations of people in Mid & West Wales, which is why I am delighted with the commitment to make affordable housing a reality for many more local families and first time buyers.
“This budget is about getting value for money - and Welsh Labour will work harder than ever before to ensure that this money goes where it is needed most - to give people in Mid & West Wales the public services they deserve.”
