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The Welsh government’s Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, is facing a challenging task of garnering support from political opponents for the budget he will unveil on Tuesday. The budget, amounting to over £27bn, is crucial for funding essential services like healthcare and waste management. Given the Labour government’s lack of majority in the Senedd, Drakeford must secure backing from other parties to pass the budget.
Drakeford has emphasized that he does not want to restrict the decisions of the next Welsh government with his budget proposals. Although he aims to minimize political conflicts, negotiations with other parties are anticipated. First Minister Eluned Morgan anticipates significant changes to the budget draft that will eventually be approved by the Senedd in spring, reflecting the impact of inter-party discussions.
The budget allocation for government departments for 2026-27 will be disclosed by Drakeford on Tuesday, with a detailed breakdown unveiling funding for public services to follow on 3 November. The impending vote on the final budget is scheduled for 27 January, and failure to pass it by April could result in severe budget cuts and potential mass layoffs. The government can still propose a budget vote during the financial year if necessary.
The Welsh Conservatives have urged Drakeford to devise a budget that benefits taxpayers, with suggestions like abolishing the land transaction tax. While Plaid Cymru remains open to discussions, they emphasize that the responsibility ultimately falls on the Labour government. The significance of reaching a budget agreement is acknowledged by all parties, recognizing the implications for public services if a budget is not approved
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