Welsh Government Faces Budget Deadlock as Key Vote Remains Unavailable
The Welsh Government struggles to secure support for its budget ahead of a crucial vote in March, risking significant funding losses.
Wales, Labour, Senedd, Budget, Jane Dodds, Mark Drakeford
Cardiff: The Welsh Government’s budget is in trouble. They need support to pass it. The Labour party can’t do it alone. They need help from another party for a key vote in March.
Jane Dodds from the Liberal Democrats is seen as a potential ally. However, Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Tories won’t support the budget. Negotiations are ongoing, but Finance Minister Mark Drakeford urges cooperation to avoid jeopardizing the budget.
On BBC Radio Wales, Dodds said she can’t back the budget right now. She wants more funding for social care, childcare, and local authorities. She emphasized that these issues are her priority, and she can’t agree to the budget as it stands.
Dodds mentioned that all parties must work together to ensure the budget passes. If not, Wales could lose out on £5 billion from the UK Government. A non-binding vote will happen on February 4, with the final vote set for March 4.
The finance committee criticized the budget, calling it full of “empty words” in a recent report. The situation remains tense as the deadline approaches.