Commenting on the budget announcements by the Chancellor, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS stated:
“I welcome the news that Wales will receive a boost in its budget, however as always the devil will be in the detail. What we really need is an increase in powers here in Wales and in local communities to ensure that additional funds are spent in a way which provides the greatest benefit to the people of Wales.”
“I am also still seriously concerned about the impact of the universal credit cut on large sections of the Welsh population. Greater investment is needed in people if we are to see real social mobility in Wales. His tax hike on national insurance will leave thousands of Welsh families struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis.
“I would also like to see clarity over the announced ‘Multiply Numeracy Programme’ which the Chancellor referred to as a UK-wide programme funded by the shared prosperity fund, despite education being devolved in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“On another note, it is shocking to see the UK Government is cutting air passenger duty on the eve of COP26, what message does this send to the world about how seriously we take our climate goals?”
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