Plaid Cymru Treasury spokesperson Ben Lake MP has written to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget, calling on the UK Government to end decades of underinvestment in Wales and deliver a fair deal for Welsh communities, public services and businesses.

The letter sets out four priorities for the Budget, including a call for at least £1 billion of rail investment in Wales during the current Spending Review period.

Despite the UK Government's commitment to a £14 billion programme of rail investment in Wales, only £302 million has been allocated over the next four years.

Currently, just 1% of Network Rail's spending across England and Wales is being invested in Welsh railways.

The party is calling for:

• At least £1 billion of rail investment in Wales during the current Spending Review period;

• Additional cost-of-living support for struggling households;

• Sustainable funding for Welsh public services, including full coverage of increased employer National Insurance costs;

• A reduction in VAT on hospitality, hair and beauty businesses from 20% to 10%.

Plaid Cymru argues that Wales has suffered from decades of underinvestment in rail infrastructure, while public services continue to face mounting pressures and many households struggle with rising costs.

The party says the measures outlined in the letter would support economic growth, strengthen public services and help businesses create jobs across Wales.

Mr Lake said: “I have written to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget setting out practical measures his Government can take to support Welsh communities, strengthen public services and grow the economy.

“The Prime Minister says he wants growth in every postcode, yet when it comes to Wales, he too often seems more interested in telling the Welsh Government to act than using the powers and resources available to his own Government.

“Nowhere is that clearer than on our railways. The UK Government has recognised decades of underinvestment and committed to a £14 billion programme for Welsh rail infrastructure, yet only £302 million has been allocated over the next four years, while Wales receives just 1% of Network Rail spending across England and Wales.

“The strongest tools to drive growth, strengthen public services and improve people's lives still sit in Westminster. The question is whether the UK Government has the political will to use them for Wales.

“For too long, Wales has been short-changed. This Budget must be the moment the Labour UK Government starts matching its promises with delivery.”