Labour must be honest about planned ‘deep cuts’ to Welsh budgets – Plaid Cymru
‘Vote Plaid Cymru for real change’ – Liz Saville Roberts in response to stark warnings about implications of Labour’s spending plans on Welsh Government budgets
Plaid Cymru Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts has urged Labour to be honest about their planned cuts to Welsh budgets in response to a stark report by Cardiff University.
A new report by the Wales Governance Centre published today (Wednesday 26 June) has warned that spending plans in both the Labour and Conservative manifestos would force the Welsh Government to implement “further deep cuts” to public services.
Academic Guto Ifan writes that under Labour’s plans, an additional £248 million of funding would be required in 2025-26 to avoid real terms cuts to non-protected spending areas, a gap which would grow to £683 million by 2028-29. Mr Ifan says “it is unclear therefore how these plans would fulfil the promise of ‘no return to austerity’ under Labour.”
Plaid Cymru candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville Roberts, said that Plaid Cymru, in contrast, had outlined plans to raise public funds through increased taxation on those with the broadest shoulders. Plaid Cymru would equalise capital gains tax with income tax, raising between £12bn - £15bn, would investigate increasing higher earners’ National Insurance contributions, and support introducing a wealth tax. They party would also crack down on tax evasion and avoidance, and abolish loopholes for non-doms.
Ms Saville Roberts said that "the ‘change’ being offered by Keir Starmer is nothing but more austerity wrapped in red packaging", and that a vote for Plaid Cymru would be a vote for "real change".
Plaid Cymru Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts said:
“From the outset of this General Election campaign, Plaid Cymru has been honest about the challenges facing public spending and outlined a series of measures to raise funds for public services that would mean big corporations and individuals making vast unearned income are taxed fairly. It is deeply regrettable that other parties’ plans fail to address these challenges.
“Today’s report reveals a stark truth: Labour is not being honest about the deep cuts it plans to inflict on Welsh public services when it gets into power in Westminster. It is proof that the ‘change’ being offered by Keir Starmer is nothing but more austerity wrapped in red packaging. The analysis completely undermines Vaughan Gething’s assertion that a UK Labour government working with a Labour Welsh government would be good for Wales.
“With just a week to go until the election, there are still so many unanswered questions about Labour’s spending plans. Welsh Labour must spell out which Welsh services they think can withstand another round of deep cuts. From our schools, to rural affairs, to mental health support – our services have already been cut to the bone and require investment.
“Welsh Government ministers have rightly criticised the devastating impact of 14 years of Tory austerity on their budgets. As they campaign for Keir Starmer to be Prime Minister, the people of Wales deserve to know what Labour cuts will mean for our public services and our communities.
“Next week, the people of Wales have a chance to vote for real change. A vote for Plaid Cymru is a vote for functioning, well-funded public services, and a fair tax system that works for all.”