Following a debate and vote in the National Assembly for Wales this week, Assembly Members voted on the Welsh Government’s budget for the next financial year.
The budget which was passed will mean that Powys County Council will receive a 3% reduction in its funding.
Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, voted against the Welsh Labour Government’s budget saying it failed to address years of cuts to NHS funding; and that it provided a poor funding settlement to Powys. Mr George said:
“This woeful budget comprehensively fails to meet the needs of the people of Mid Wales and it delivers another hammer blow for Wales’ rural communities.
“As the Government only holds 30 out of the 60 seats in the Senedd, it is disappointing that Liberal Democrat AMs did not join other opposition parties to vote against this budget which is deeply damaging for Powys.
"Out of 22 Local Authorities in Wales, Powys will receive the joint lowest settlement. Since 2012/13, rural Powys has seen a cut of -7.86%, whilst urban councils like Newport have had an increase of +7.07%.
"I simply could not support a budget deal that provides Powys residents with such a raw deal. Wales does not end in South Wales, and Wales needs a government that stands up for all of Wales."