3. Debate on a Statement: The Draft Budget 2022-23

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:33 pm on 11 January 2022.

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Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 3:33, 11 January 2022

Can I start by thanking the Minister for the open and collaborative way she and her officials have taken in working with me in recent months? Thank you. Diolch yn fawr iawn. 

I agree wholeheartedly with her when she said that the Senedd has worked at its best and achieved most when parties across the Chamber have worked together. The Welsh Liberal Democrats' priority at the election was a fair and green recovery following the pandemic; ensuring our NHS and care services were supported; providing opportunities for children and young people; supporting workers and small business; and putting the climate crisis at the heart of our economy. I am pleased to see elements of this draft budget that reflect those aims, and I'm delighted that, through discussions over recent months about a children and young people's budget, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have been able to secure £20 million to radically reform services for care-experienced children and young people. And I'm pleased to see additional funding for mental health services included in the budget as well.

This must be a budget that carefully balances the immediate challenges we face, but that looks at the future we want to create for our planet and for the next generation: a kinder, fairer, greener and more just Wales. And, finally, I look forward to the remainder of this budget process. Diolch, Gweinidog; diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd.