Fiscal Settlement 2021-05-19
2021-05-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
No specific incident mentioned, but context is around the fairness and adequacy of funding for Welsh Government in current fiscal year.
What recent discussions have you had with the Welsh Government on the adequacy of the fiscal settlement?
This fiscal settlement delivers for Wales. This year, the Welsh Government will receive almost £19 billion of block grant funding, which is £1 billion more than was agreed with the Welsh Labour Government as being a fair settlement for Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about potential negative effects of a zero-tariff trade deal with Australia on Welsh and Scottish farmers.
The fiscal settlement will not matter all that much if the possible trade deal with Australia goes through with a zero-tariff regime, which would cause serious difficulties for Welsh and indeed Scottish farmers. What compensation for those farmers is being built into the fiscal settlement, should this latest gung-ho trade deal scupper their livelihoods?
No trade deal has been signed yet, but yesterday I was on a call with National Farmers Union representatives, who said that they welcomed the principle of a trade deal. They have a few concerns about some of the details, and we will continue our discussions with the NFU and with farmers. But I am surprised at the hon. Lady, who I think was in favour of having a free trade deal with the European Union. Why would she not want to have a free trade deal with a country with which we all—and she and I personally—have very close links indeed?
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Assessment & feedback
Specific compensation measures for farmers if the Australia trade deal negatively impacts them
Changing Subject To Surprise At Mp'S Previous Stance
Response accuracy