00:00It was one of the most highly anticipated budgets in recent memory, and the reactions
00:04are coming in from across the political spectrum as Rachel Reeves delivered her autumn budget
00:09for the upcoming financial year.
00:11Here in Wales the response has been mixed, with some, especially those in Welsh Labour
00:14Party, praising it, but others saying Wales has been forgotten about, as per usual.
00:19Conservative MS Sam Rowland described it as an omni-shambles, saying it delivered uncertainty,
00:24instability and neglect, instead of long-term investment for Welsh families, businesses
00:28and communities.
00:30Plaid Cymru MS's welcomed the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, but criticised
00:34the budget for failing to address outdated and unfair funding arrangements for Wales.
00:39Party leader Threenap Yodworth said it was another example of Wales being shortchanged.
00:43Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds also condemned the budget, saying Wales remained an afterthought.
00:48She highlighted missed opportunities, including no progress on Crown Estate, Fair HS2 funding
00:54issues or investing in Welsh tidal and offshore wind sectors.
00:58The Welsh Labour government, however, welcomed the measures.
01:00First Minister Elie Ned Morgan said the budget would put more money in people's pockets,
01:04support energy bills, increase the minimum wage and benefit pensioners.
01:08She praised the decision to scrap the two-child benefit limit, saying it would help tackle
01:12child poverty.
01:13She said the increased fiscal flexibilities would allow the Welsh government to provide
01:17additional treatments in the NHS and support public services and economic growth, giving
01:22Wales a more durable financial settlement.
01:24The contrasting reactions underline the ongoing debate in Wales over how UK budgets balance
01:29national priorities with local needs.
01:32Funding streams like the Barnet Formula will be on the debate sheet over the next few months.
01:36And while there are some decisions in the budget that have gone down well, there's plenty
01:39left to be desired on this side of the Severn Bridge.
01:41James Peach Watkins reporting for Local TV.
01:43James Peach Watkins reporting for Local TV.
Comments