European Structural Funds

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance – in the Senedd at 2:15 pm on 18 April 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru 2:15, 18 April 2018

(Translated)

Thank you. It appears from that paper that the Government’s main argument is that we need to increase the baseline for the funding that Wales received from Westminster to put right the losses from structural funds and European Union investments. Now, with all due respect, I don’t see you shouting particularly loudly on this issue at the moment. Wales is facing the loss of significant funding—£2 billion—with poor and vulnerable communities in west Wales and the Valleys worst hit, even though that is where the greatest need lies. So, can you give us an assurance today that you will have specific discussions with the Westminster Government in order to secure this post-Brexit funding? I would also like to know what assurance there is that the Welsh Government, in gaining those funds, will distribute that funding on a needs basis so that communities in west Wales and the Valleys don’t miss out.