Spending cuts loom if £27bn budget not agreed

MARK Drakeford has thrown down the gauntlet to opposition parties, warning failing to pass the Welsh budget would result in cuts of up to £7bn and thousands of job losses.

- CHRIS HAINES

The finance secretary dangled an olive branch, with £380m on the table to find “common priorities” with other parties to get the Welsh Government's £27bn draft budget over the line.

Labour holds 29 of the Senedd’s 60 seats and needs the support of at least one opposition member and likely two - to pass the spend ing plans for the 12 months from April. Last year’s budget was voted through after ministers cut a £100m deal with Jane Dodds, the Liberal Democrats’ Welsh leader and the party’s sole Senedd mem ber. But a similar deal would leave ministers one vote short this year unless Labour holds the Caer philly seat in next week's by-elec tion triggered by the death of Hefin David.

Failure to agree a budget would result in public services in Wales facing sweeping cuts.

Prof Drakeford warned the Senedd: “The weeks ahead must culminate in the passing of a budget . . . every member here will have a part to play, every political party a responsibility.”

In the event of no deal, the for mer first minister added: “Instead of me coming forward with a budget that adds £800m into our public services, I would be com ing forward with a budget that cuts everything this Senedd does by between £6bn and £7bn.”