Spring Budget 2023 Welsh Communities 2023-04-19
2023-04-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows the Spring Budget announcement, focusing on its implications for Wales. The MP raises concerns about local benefits.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Spring Budget 2023 on Welsh communities?
The spring Budget delivered for Wales. As announced, the Government will provide £20 million to restore the Holyhead breakwater, deliver at least one investment zone in Wales and provide up to £20 billion for the development of carbon capture usage and storage across the UK, which Wales is well-placed to benefit from.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Following the initial question, this supplementary query addresses contrasting approaches between the Welsh and UK Governments on energy support and infrastructure.
The UK Government prove time and again that they are delivering for Wales, whether through supporting hundreds of thousands of households with the energy price guarantee or through the £20-million Holyhead breakwater. However, does my hon. Friend agree that the Welsh Labour Government are advertising Wales as closed for business, with the recent ban on road building and tax on tourism?
I could not agree more. The Welsh Government's response to the roads review was more of a roadblock. There has been widespread rejection of the tourism tax from the sector, including UK Hospitality, which has called it “anti-competitive”. The contrast between the approaches of the two Governments is stark: the UK Government are striking trade deals and promoting Britain as open for business, while the Welsh Government seem focused on punishing small business owners.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about agreeing with criticisms was addressed through commentary rather than addressing the effectiveness of policies.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A meeting has been held regarding the Rhondda tunnel, which is expected to be a significant tourism attraction. The MP seeks a commitment for funding.
A little birdy tells me that the Secretary of State has had a meeting about the Rhondda tunnel in the last few days. I hope very much—as no doubt do you, Mr Speaker—that there will be an announcement soon of some money to ensure that the Rhondda tunnel can be opened up, making it the second longest cycle tunnel in the whole of Europe and a great advert for tourism in the Welsh valleys. Will he meet me and my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) so that we can explain to him its significant benefits and he can lobby to get that money for the Rhondda tunnel?
The hon. Member is right to raise that question. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State tells me that he would be happy to hold a meeting with him, and adds that Rhondda Cynon Taf council should be encouraged to make a levelling-up fund bid.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about securing funding was not directly addressed; only an offer for a meeting and encouragement of local action is provided.
Encouragement Of Local Action
Offer Of A Future Discussion
Response accuracy