QNR – in the Senedd on 18 September 2019.
As set out in my written statement, the Welsh Government budget will be based on meeting the needs of the people of Wales and delivering the fairest possible settlement for Welsh public services.
The fiscal position set out in the report is unsurprising given the current state of the UK public finances, the progressive nature of the tax and benefit system, and the relatively high needs in Wales.
We continue to invest in public services, businesses and communities in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, including £225 million planned for improvements to Prince Charles Hospital, a further £42.5 million approved in principle for the second wave of the twenty-first century schools programme, and over £2 million through the social housing grant in 2019-20.
Since we published the Wales infrastructure investment plan in 2012, the Welsh Government has funded infrastructure projects across Wales worth nearly £15 billion. Along with our future plans, our investments in Pembroke will include over £130 million as part of our twenty-first century schools programme, and £45 million for improvements to the A40.
The core counter-fraud team is relatively small, however, the head of counter-fraud has access to a wide range of staff with appropriate complementary specialist skills to call on to assist with investigations. The workload can vary significantly and this allows flexibility as needed.
As I set out in the Chamber yesterday, I have written to the Presiding Officer and the Chair of the Finance Committee indicating my intention to bring forward the timetable for the 2020-21 budget, subject to their views.