Welsh government mini-budget passes after Plaid-Labour deal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 22:20 · Archive

The Welsh Senedd has passed a supplementary budget following an agreement between Plaid Cymru and Labour on additional funding for children's education support.

The Welsh Senedd has passed the Welsh government's supplementary budget following a deal between Plaid Cymru ministers and Labour. The budget passed on Tuesday evening with 54 voting in favour and 39 against, nearly four months after the original version failed in July.

Plaid's original mini-budget included £100m for NHS waiting times, £55m for childcare and spending on school repairs. The sticking point had been additional learning needs (ALN) support. Labour, now in opposition after May's election losses, had rejected Plaid's initial £40m package over three years, demanding £100m in the current financial year instead.

The two parties reached agreement in October on an extra £60m for ALN support. Former Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford said his party had made mistakes in July negotiations and suggested accepting the money previously offered. Finance Minister Elin Jones said the agreement reflected 'shared understanding' that ALN pressures 'require action'.

Reform and the Welsh Conservatives voted against the budget. Reform's finance spokesman Cai Parry-Jones criticised Labour for supporting it, despite the NAHT teaching union being in dispute with the government.

How it is being reported

• Welsh Government's supplementary budget passes after Plaid strikes deal with LabourReform MSs branded Welsh Labour politicians 'puppets' for voting in favour of the proposalsWalesOnline · 3 Nov, 21:46
• Welsh government mini-budget passes after Plaid-Labour dealThe original version fell in July in a row over spending on additional learning needs education.BBC Wales · 3 Nov, 20:38

In this story: Plaid Cymru · Labour · Ken Skates · Mark Drakeford · Rhun ap Iorwerth · Elin Jones · Reform

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log