Funding Settlement 2023-04-19
2023-04-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises due to concerns over the adequacy of funding provided by the UK Government to support Welsh services and infrastructure, which is seen as insufficient in light of inflation and economic challenges.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the funding settlement for Wales? The Welsh budget is worth £4 billion less than it was when first agreed due to inflation and mishandling of the economy. If the Government will not adequately finance devolved institutions, why not devolve reasonable borrowing powers?
The Welsh Government are well funded with a record block grant of £18 billion, increasing by £180 million over two years. The funds were not clawed back; they managed to fail to spend £155 million during the pandemic. The UK Government is providing more NHS funding per capita than Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
The adequacy of the funding settlement and devolving borrowing powers.
Acknowledging The Issue But Not Addressing The Specific Ask
Redirecting To Blame Welsh Government
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK Government has recently clawed back £155 million from the Welsh Government budget, leading to questions about its impact on Wales and whether it aligns with best interests.
How does the Secretary of State justify the clawing back of £155 million from the Welsh Government budget when they failed to spend that amount during a pandemic?
The money was not spent by the Welsh Government; they managed to fail to spend £155 million during a pandemic. The UK provides more NHS funding per capita than Wales, but Wales has longer waiting times and less access to treatment compared to England.
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Assessment & feedback
Justification for clawing back funds and the impact on Welsh healthcare.
Redirecting To Issues With Welsh Government Spending
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Welsh budget has been reduced in real terms due to inflation and economic mismanagement, prompting calls for more financial flexibility through borrowing powers.
Given the reduction in the Welsh budget by £4 billion due to inflation and poor management, why will the Government not devolve reasonable borrowing powers?
If I want lessons in sound financial management, I would ask someone other than the Scottish National Party. The Welsh Labour Government has had real-terms spending increases but fails to deliver healthcare and education standards comparable to England's.
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Assessment & feedback
Devolution of borrowing powers and adequacy of funding for Wales.
Criticizing The Scottish National Party
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Anglesey has received significant investment from the UK Government through various funds and initiatives aimed at levelling up underdeveloped regions.
With £17 million for Holyhead regeneration, £20 million for Holyhead Gateway refurbishment, £16 million from shared prosperity fund, £2.7 million culture recovery fund, hundreds of new jobs at inland border facility, £175 million RAF Valley funding, and freeport status with 13,000 job potential and £1 billion economic boost, does the Secretary of State agree this Conservative UK Government is determined to level up places like Anglesey?
My hon. Friend's support for her constituency is noted; it was no coincidence that the Prime Minister visited Ynys Môn first as Prime Minister to celebrate growth deals delivering across Wales and UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific levelling-up efforts in Anglesey.
Redirecting To Broader Context
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Tywyn Hospital has closed its minor injuries unit and in-patient ward, raising concerns about healthcare provision for English tourists visiting Wales.
Does the Secretary of State acknowledge that Tywyn Hospital's minor injuries unit and in-patient ward have closed, funded by grants, and will he discuss proper healthcare provision for English tourists on holiday?
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's comments but unable to give a detailed answer as NHS is devolved in Wales. I hope Welsh Labour Ministers will explain why, with extra funding above England's NHS, they cannot deliver comparable healthcare standards.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific healthcare issues at Tywyn Hospital and English tourists' access to care.
Redirecting To Devolution Of Health Services
Response accuracy