QNR – in the Senedd on 13 January 2021.
The budget invests in all parts of Wales to support our public services, businesses and communities. This includes a further £25 million for the north Wales metro, continuing our plans for an integrated, modern and efficient transport system for the region.
Overall, nearly £2 billion has been allocated to support businesses through the crisis, the most generous support package anywhere in the UK. This includes £450 million for businesses affected by the latest restrictions. We are currently considering options beyond the current package of support, which concludes at the end of January.
Our council tax reduction scheme for 2020-21 maintains entitlement to support for vulnerable and low‑income households in Wales. During the year, we have also provided additional funding to support the extra demand generated by COVID-19.
In the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic, I am pleased to have been able to negotiate guarantee funding of £5.2 billion from the UK Government. I continue to press for greater transparency and extra budgetary flexibilities to inform our planning to best meet the needs of Wales.