Thank you, Llywydd, for calling me to speak today. This debate marks yet another development in the devolution journey that started a little over 20 years ago. Indeed, despite the sober warnings from the Cabinet Secretary, I do find much to be hopeful of, both in terms of the distance that has been covered and of the spending proposals that he has outlined. The Cabinet Secretary has laid down a clear plan for the setting out of governmental spending plans, improving levels of scrutiny and accountability.

I also welcome the principles of co-operation and collaboration that have underpinned the budget, bringing together different parties and perspectives to get the best results for Wales. This approach was also reflected in the close working between the three devolved administrations, showing the maturity of the devolution process as it comes of age. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Cabinet Secretary’s remarks on the future use of the tax-raising powers the Assembly will possess in around six months’ time, and in the Welsh Government’s continuing work to develop a new made-in-Wales tax proposal.

As the chief economist reminds us, there are serious decisions we will need to make about how these new powers can best be used to support public services in Wales in the face of changing public expectations and the blinkered approach of the UK Government, with its single-minded obsession with austerity. I therefore welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s comments that he will look to reduce the level of in-year contingency and reserves that would otherwise have been held, releasing much-needed revenue spending to invest in the services we rely on.

I want to briefly touch on a few specific elements of the proposals the Cabinet Secretary outlined. Regarding the communities and children MEG, I welcome the investment in our progressive childcare offer. We can be proud that our proposals represent the most generous deal of its nature anywhere in the UK, and show that the Welsh Government is committed to supporting Welsh parents and families. The pilot in Rhondda Cynon Taf that covers my constituency is already making a difference, although I am keen to see what lessons will be drawn about how we can ensure all who are eligible take part.

Elsewhere under this headline, I welcome the renewal of the Supporting People grant, which we know makes such a difference to tens of thousands of vulnerable Welsh citizens. Similarly, I know that one of the proposals that will be most welcome to groups in my constituency of Cynon Valley is the additional funding to support the regeneration of community facilities. In an area like Cynon, many of these buildings are little short of historic, with proud links to the mining heritage of the communities they are found in, and it is right that we make sure they meet current needs.

For anyone who has heard me raise concerns about Valleys lines rail services, I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I am very supportive of the releasing of funds to buy new rolling stock. Purchasing this stock will save money in the long term, and will also remove a crucial barrier to the negotiation of the new Wales and borders franchise. The renewed commitment to the mutual investment model that will be used to fund the dualling of the A465 and the renewed commitment to the south Wales metro both show that transport infrastructure for a twenty-first century Wales remains a central Welsh Government goal. Elsewhere, I know that a commitment to invest in charging points for electric vehicles has been made, and that’s another key component of future transport infrastructure. I look forward to further information on this proposal, as it is released in due course, to make sure that we get the details right to meet future demand.

The continued focus on education is also to be welcomed, in particular the plans to accelerate the twenty-first century schools programme. Cynon Valley has benefited to the tune of over £100 million in investment under this policy—more than any other constituency in Wales—so I know at first hand how important this scheme can be. I recently visited Aberdare Community School, a twenty-first century school, on the anniversary of the devolution referendum. It was great to discuss with pupils there how devolution has enabled us to carve out our own path in Wales, and this school, and this policy, is one example of this, where our spending decisions are sharply contrasted with a UK approach that cancelled plans to build schools and refused to invest in the next generation.