Minister defends 'constrained' spending plans amid 'heart-searching' decisions

WALES' education secretary has defended her “constrained” spending plans, suggesting the Welsh Government has diverted about £280m away from education towards other priorities.

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Lynne Neagle told the Senedd's education committee that her department received a £44.9m increase in the Welsh Government's draft budget for 2026/27.

Committee chair Buffy Williams warned the “standstill” draft budget, which increases by about 2% in line with forecasts of inflation, means some areas would see a real-terms cut.

Ms Neagle told Senedd members the education department received an inflationary uplift of £37.4m for day-to-day revenue spending and £7.5m for longer-term capital investment.