David Chadwick MP: “One of the worst Budgets for Wales in years”

Commenting on today's Budget, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said:

“This is one of the worst Budgets for Wales in years. The Chancellor has announced significantly less additional funding for Wales than in previous years, in what looks like to be Wales’s worst settlement for a long time.

“Much of what has been announced for Wales is simply funding for projects we already knew about rather than investment in new infrastructure.

“I am particularly disappointed by the lack of ambition for young people. With youth unemployment in Wales now over 18%, we desperately need action to create more opportunities and better-paid jobs. Instead, this Budget offers little to address the crisis and nothing to ease the growing burden of student loan repayments on young graduates.

“For rural communities like those I represent, there is still no cap on heating oil prices, while the Chancellor has failed to go further in cutting fuel duty despite the enormous pressures facing motorists.

“Wales needs serious investment in infrastructure, better opportunities for young people and a plan to get our economy growing. This Budget falls well short of delivering that.”

ENDS