Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Spring Budget 2023: Welsh Communities

Wednesday 19 April 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robbie Moore asked about the impact of the Spring Budget 2023 on Welsh communities.
  • The UK Government provided 20 million to restore the Holyhead breakwater and will deliver at least one investment zone in Wales.
  • Chris Bryant inquired about a meeting regarding the Rhondda tunnel and potential funding from the levelling-up fund.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Economy Wales
Context

The question follows the Spring Budget announcement, focusing on its implications for Wales. The MP raises concerns about local benefits.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Spring Budget 2023 on Welsh communities?

Answer from James Davies

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.

Answered
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Q2 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Wales Business & Trade
Context

Following the initial question, this supplementary query addresses contrasting approaches between the Welsh and UK Governments on energy support and infrastructure.

Question

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?

Answer from James Davies

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.

Not addressed: The specific ask about agreeing with criticisms was addressed through commentary rather than addressing the effectiveness of policies.

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Q3 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Transport Wales
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.

Question

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?

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about securing funding was not directly addressed; only an offer for a meeting and encouragement of local action is provided.

How: Encouragement Of Local Action, Offer Of A Future Discussion

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