The Senedd has passed the Welsh government's mini-budget, nearly four months after the original version was defeated, following a deal between Plaid Cymru ministers and Labour. Under the agreement, an extra £60 million will be spent on supporting children with additional learning needs (ALN).
Labour, now in opposition after heavy election losses, had rejected a £40 million package spread over three years in July, with leader Ken Skates demanding £100 million this financial year instead. By voting for the extra spending plans on Tuesday evening, Labour provided the minority Plaid government with the necessary support.
Plaid Cymru's original mini-budget also included £100 million for the NHS to reduce waiting times, £55 million for childcare, and £40 million for school repairs, funding that can now proceed. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth acknowledged that his government had learned lessons from its failure to reach a deal in July. Finance Minister Elin Jones noted the constructive discussions with the Labour group and the broad recognition of the pressures on ALN support, which facilitated the agreement.
Reform's finance spokesperson, Cai Parry Jones, criticized Labour for supporting the budget, especially with the NAHT teaching union in dispute with the government. He called for reductions in foreign spending.
Huw Thomas, Labour's finance spokesperson, stated that the process for agreeing a supplementary budget had been more difficult than necessary. However, he acknowledged that Plaid seemed to have learned lessons and that Labour had secured 50% more for ALN than Plaid Cymru had initially proposed. He urged for the money to be made available promptly, emphasizing that schools cannot afford prolonged delays or bureaucratic hurdles.
Welsh Conservative Peter Fox expressed his party's opposition to the budget, stating it represented "business as usual wrapped in different colours." The budget motion ultimately passed in the Senedd with 54 votes in favor and 39 against.