Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance

QNR – in the Senedd on 5 December 2018.

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Photo of Rhianon Passmore Rhianon Passmore Labour

(Translated) What is the Welsh Government doing to protect public services in Islwyn from the impacts of austerity?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Despite cuts to our budget, we continue to shield public services in Islwyn from the full impact of austerity through our additional investment in health, social care and housing. The £22 million new build of Islwyn High School is just one example of recent investment. 

Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour

(Translated) Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the impact of the real-terms reduction in the Welsh block grant?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

As a result of the UK Government’s austerity policy the Welsh Government has £4 billion less to spend than it would if the budget had simply kept pace with gross domestic product since 2010-11.

Photo of Mandy Jones Mandy Jones UKIP

(Translated) What financial planning is the Welsh Government undertaking in preparation for Brexit?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government has created a £50 million European transition fund to help Wales prepare for Brexit. We continue to press the UK Government to honour commitments that Wales would be ‘not a penny worse off’ as a result of leaving the European Union.

Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour

(Translated) What is the Welsh Government doing to help carers with the cost of council tax?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Live-in carers are not included in the calculation of council tax, to ensure that those otherwise entitled to them do not lose out on any council tax discounts. All eligible carers can benefit from the Welsh national council tax reduction scheme.

Photo of Leanne Wood Leanne Wood Plaid Cymru

(Translated) What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the impact that devolving the administration of the benefits system will have on the Welsh Government's budget?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The costs of devolving administration of the benefit system are real. In Scotland, for example, devolution of welfare powers incurred an upfront implementation cost of £200 million and administration costs are reported at £66 million each year.

Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative

(Translated) What consideration does the Cabinet Secretary give to infrastructure projects in west Wales when allocating funding to the economy and transport portfolio?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

In the course of our budget preparations I meet all Cabinet Secretaries to discuss spending priorities including infrastructure priorities across the whole of Wales.