Following the Labour Welsh Government’s draft budget, opposition party Plaid Cymru has secured a better deal for Wales. Cris Tomos, Plaid Cymru Senedd Candidate for Pembrokeshire has welcomed the increased settlement for Pembrokeshire County Council from 2.3% to over 4%, and additional funding for our NHS.

The original draft budget as presented by the Labour Government would have left local authorities facing a significant shortfall that could have led to further large council tax increases, public sector job losses, and a historically low NHS settlement.

Plaid Cymru stepped in and asked for two things - to protect public services and prevent unaffordable council tax rises, and to correct the inadequate NHS settlement caused by Labour’s rollover budget.

By abstaining in return for increased health and council budgets, Plaid Cymru ensured a better deal for public services and taxpayers in Wales.

Cris Tomos, said: “This increase in settlement for Pembrokeshire Council brings a little relief to the Council’s tight budgets and to local taxpayers. The Welsh Government’s initially proposed settlement for Pembrokeshire County Council of 2.3%.

“However, thanks to this deal brokered by Plaid Cymru, the settlement will now increase to over 4%. The additional funding for the NHS of 3.6%, up from the proposed 2.1%, will also help our stretched health services here in the west.

“If Plaid Cymru can deliver this in opposition, imagine what we can achieve leading the next Welsh Government in May – real change and new leadership that puts the people of Wales first.”