Councils, charities, and experts voice concerns over the Welsh Government’s budget, stating it falls short of addressing critical needs.
Cardiff: So, there’s been a lot of chatter about the Welsh Government’s budget for 2025-26. Councils, charities, and experts are all saying it just doesn’t cut it. Even though the government is patting itself on the back for the budget size, many folks are worried it won’t really help with the services they provide.
Council leaders are sounding the alarm, saying this budget won’t fill the gaps they’re facing. They might have to raise council tax or dip into their savings just to keep things running. It’s a tough spot to be in.
Experts are also weighing in, pointing out that the figures the finance minister is bragging about don’t tell the whole story. When you look at the bigger financial picture, things aren’t as rosy as they seem.
And let’s not forget about the National Insurance hikes. Financial experts are saying that a whopping 75% of that burden will likely fall on workers. Charities are feeling the pinch too. The head of Tenovus, a cancer charity, mentioned they might be looking at a £250,000 bill, which could mean cutting services or letting staff go.
These groups are giving their two cents to different Senedd committees as they gear up for a big vote on the budget coming up on March 4. It’s a crucial time, and everyone’s hoping for some positive changes.
In the finance committee, some experts were asked about the UK Government’s National Insurance decision. They warned that while employers are the ones paying it, workers will likely see the impact in their wages. It’s a bit of a domino effect, really.
Charities are also in a tough spot. One representative mentioned that it’s hard to pin down the exact impact of the National Insurance rise, but it could hit voluntary groups in Wales to the tune of £100 million. That’s a big deal, especially for seasonal staff.
Tenovus and other charities are already feeling the strain. They’re facing tough choices about cutting services or reducing staff. It’s a real worry for them, especially since many rely heavily on donations rather than government support.
When it comes to the budget compared to previous years, it seems like the NHS is getting a decent bump, but councils are still struggling. They’re getting a 3.1% increase, which sounds good, but it’s not enough to keep up with rising costs.
Some council leaders are saying they’re grateful for the funding but still feel like they’re on the edge. One leader even mentioned the risk of bankruptcy is still looming. It’s a tough reality for many councils.
As for the NHS, there’s been some debate about whether the budget figures are really telling the whole story. Some experts are saying the capital spending isn’t as high as the government claims. It’s all a bit murky.
Overall, there’s a lot of concern about the budget and its impact on services. Many are hoping for more support and a shift in how funding is approached. It’s a critical time for Wales, and everyone’s watching closely.
