NDM8701 Plaid Cymru Debate - UK Government budget

NDM8701 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes:

a) the upcoming UK Government budget; and

b) the acutely challenging state of public finances, with the Welsh Government budget for the current financial year worth £700 million less in real terms compared to when it was first set.

2. Regrets that the UK Labour Government has refused:

a) to provide Wales with any consequential funding from the HS2 project;

b) to devolve the Crown Estate in Wales to ensure that profit from its assets goes directly into the Welsh budget; and

c) to replace the Barnett formula with a needs-based funding framework.

3. Regrets the failure of the "partnership of power" between the Welsh Labour Government and the UK Labour Government to deliver tangible benefits for Wales.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to make urgent representations to the UK Labour Government, and publish the communication, requesting that the budget contains:

a) the reclassifying of HS2 as an England-only project;

b) a commitment that Wales receives £4 billion of HS2 consequentials, as Welsh Government Ministers and the Secretary of State for Wales have called for;

c) a commitment to devolve the Crown Estate as soon as possible, with relevant timescales;

d) a commitment to replacing the Barnett formula as soon as possible, with relevant timescales;

e) a commitment to restoring the winter fuel allowance for pensioners; and

f) a commitment to disposing of the two-child benefit cap. 

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the upcoming UK Government budget.

2 Regrets that the UK Labour Government has refused to: 

a) scrap the winter fuel payment cut, which will see around 400,000 households in Wales lose up to £300 per person; 

b) rule out any increase to national insurance contributions;

c) ensure Wales receives its consequentials from HS2; 

d) fund the electrification of the North Wales main line; and

e) introduce a new funding arrangement for Wales to replace the outdated Barnett formula. 

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to make urgent representations to the UK Labour Government, and publish the communication, requesting that the budget contains plans to: 

a) scrap the winter fuel payment cut;

b) ensure there is no increase to national insurance contributions;

c) enable Wales to receive its fair share of HS2 consequentials;

d) electrify the North Wales main line; and

e) scrap the outdated Barnett formula and replace it with a new needs-based funding formula that is fair, transparent and delivers for the people of Wales. 

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete points 2, 3 and 4 and replace with:

Recognises the financial position the UK Labour Government inherited from the previous UK Government is extremely challenging.

Acknowledges the election of the new UK Government is an opportunity to reset and improve inter-governmental relationships.

Notes the Welsh Government’s priorities for the UK Government autumn budget are:

a) increases in resource and capital spending over and above the level set by the previous UK Government;

b) additional budget flexibilities;

c) a joint programme of investment to address coal tips safety; and

d) a commitment to further discussions about funding in relation to HS2, and future rail infrastructure investment.