In Parliament today I called on the UK Government to address a £170 million shortfall in funding for Welsh councils as part of the Government’s response to the ongoing pandemic.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement to the Commons on Covid-19, I said “Welsh Councils are reporting a shortfall of around £170 million in the 1st quarter of this financial year due to the  crisis, so it’s clear we’re going to need the UK Government to step up and provide more funding to Welsh Government to ensure we don’t suffer big cuts in services just when they are needed most.  Will the Prime Minister commit to do this?”

In response, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the UK Government continues “to commit sums to help all devolved administrations”, citing “£3.7 billion extra in Barnett consequentials for Scotland alone.”

In his response – which strangely seemed to focus on Scotland rather than Wales – the Prime Minister failed to acknowledge the very real concerns Welsh councils have about their financial recovery from the ongoing pandemic.

Council workers have gone above and beyond to keep key services going during this incredibly challenging time. Its vital that the UK Government provides more funding to the Welsh Government to pass on to our councils.