Date: 09/02/2022   |   Category - Finance and Resources, News

The WLGA is calling on UK Treasury to urgently clarify whether an additional £175m pledged for Wales last week, because of an energy bill support package in England, will materialise.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last week that Wales will receive an extra £175m as part of a Council Tax Rebate plan. However, there now seems to be some doubt as to whether this is additional funding.

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“Spiralling costs of living are pushing people to their limit. Thousands are having to make the stark choice between heating and eating just to survive.

“Whilst the Chancellor has announced a support package aimed at helping families in England, it remains unclear whether hard-hit families in Wales will receive any support

“People across Wales deserve, and are awaiting, certainty. Why should hard working Welsh families be deprived of the support pledged by the UK Government to England? We have written to the UK Treasury seeking urgent clarity on whether or not Wales will actually see an extra £175m as indications now suggest there will be no Barnett consequence due to other departmental spending changes in England.

“Local government in Wales stands ready to work with Welsh Government to deliver support once we are clear what, if any, additional funding is available.”

ENDS –