Plaid Cymru’s leader has criticised the Chancellor's Budget, claiming it perpetuates unfairness towards Wales, with no new fiscal powers or funding for transport.

Responding to the Chancellor’s statement, Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “This Budget makes one thing clear, Wales is being short-changed again.

“Nothing in today’s announcements changes the fundamental unfairness facing our nation.

“We have weaker fiscal powers than any other devolved nation, meaning less ability to invest in our economy, and the Treasury continues to withhold over £4 billion owed to Wales in transport funding. There was no action on increased National Insurance or Inheritance Tax costs which are pushing the Welsh public and private sectors to breaking point. Labour promised change but today proves there is none.

“Plaid Cymru called for bold action to tackle the cost-of-living crisis in this Budget – cut VAT on household energy bills and review unfair standing charges. Labour has again fallen short, with the OBR report showing that real household disposable income and living standards will be impacted negatively by this Budget.

“We welcome the scrapping of the two-child cap – long overdue and something for which Plaid Cymru has campaigned for years – but Welsh families will still face sky-high energy bills and mounting costs after this Budget.

“On taxation, Labour’s pick-and-mix approach is dishonest and chaotic. Rather than targeting the wealthiest and the big banks through wealth taxes, Rachel Reeves has chosen to freeze income tax thresholds for those in work, a dishonest and unfair wait to raise further revenue.

“Weeks of U-turns, last-minute announcements, and mixed messages have left households and businesses confused, undermining confidence in the economy. Labour has no plan – and the people of Wales deserve better.

“Plaid Cymru set out clear, credible proposals to the Secretary of State for Wales, but Labour has ignored them. There is still no return of billions owed from HS2, no progress on devolving the Crown Estate, and no meaningful help for families struggling with living costs.

“People in Wales deserved a Budget that recognised decades of underinvestment and the pressures facing households. Instead, we see more of the same.

“As we approach the Senedd election in May, it is clear that Labour has given up on Wales. Plaid Cymru stands ready to deliver the leadership, ambition, and fairness that Wales deserves.”