4. Statement by the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd: Future Outlook for Public Spending in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:02 pm on 16 July 2019.

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Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 5:02, 16 July 2019

I'd like to thank you, Minister, for your statement, which offers us a stark warning of the challenges ahead of us, challenges that are made all the more pressing because of the failed economic policies of the UK Government. I'd welcome your reflections on the dangerous hyperbole that we've seen from the two candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party. You've alluded to some of this in your answers to other Members, but I'd like to specifically ask you whether you agree with me that the evidence, for example, from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, is that Boris Johnson's offers on income tax and national insurance contributions would actually deliver the greatest benefit for those on the highest of incomes in this society, and do you agree with me, also, that this would see a further slashing of the funding available to public services across the UK, and, of course, here in Wales?

Minister, you have explained to us the high degree of uncertainty around future spending plans, and this uncertainty is clearly made worse by the lack of a comprehensive spending review. With that in mind, how exactly is that affecting the ability of the Welsh Government to plan alongside partners in local government, business and the third sector?