Showing posts with label Institute of fiscal studies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Institute of fiscal studies. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

WE NEED REAL ECONOMIC CHANGE

More Plaid Cymru MPs means more voices fighting for “real economic change” for Wales


“While Labour can preach ‘change’ as much as they like – we know that austerity is here to stay under Starmer” says Plaid Cymru

 

More Plaid Cymru MPs will ensure “real economic change” for Wales, Plaid Cymru has said. 


Plaid Cymru spokesperson for the economy Luke Fletcher MS said Plaid Cymru’s three pledges for the economy would ensure economic fairness for Wales and hold Labour to account on behalf of the people of Wales.


The party’s main economic pledges include:


1) A fair funding system for Wales according to need

2) Rejoin the single market and the customs union 

3) Give Wales the £4 billion it is owed from HS2 

 

Since 2010, Wales has seen £3 billion worth of cuts due to decisions made in Westminster.

 

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) on Monday (24 June 2024) called out the main two Westminster parties for their released their “conspiracy of silence” over the economy.

 

The £18 billion spending gap in the Labour manifesto will result in almost a billion pounds less for Wales – the equivalent of ten years’ worth of funding for Universal Free Primary School Meals.

 

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for the economy Luke Fletcher MS said:


“Plaid Cymru is the only party offering real economic change for Wales in this election.


“The Tories have crashed the economy and Labour have signed up to at least £18 billion worth of cuts – which means a billion pounds less for the Welsh budget. While Labour can preach ‘change’ as much as they like – we know that austerity is here to stay under Starmer.


“Plaid Cymru’s pledges would mean fairness for Wales – both economically and socially. They include a fairer funding model based on Wales’ needs so we can invest in our schools, the NHS, and in our communities.


“We’re the only party honest about the impact of Brexit on the Welsh economy and calling to rejoin the Single Market and Customs union to end the red tape on our businesses and ports.


“And we’re the only party demanding the return of Wales’ missing billions from England’s HS2 project to invest in our transport infrastructure and local economies.


“While the Tories and Labour alike are happy to see public services decimated and household budgets squeezed even further, Plaid Cymru is fighting for economic fairness in this election as the only party that doesn’t take Welsh votes for granted.


“Westminster won’t care about Wales unless there are MPs standing up for Wales’ best interests at every opportunity – not singing to the same hymn sheet as Starmer. This is what a vote for Plaid Cymru on 4 July offers.”


- ENDS - 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

CUTTING COUNCIL TAX

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price has today outlined how thousands of Welsh households will see a cut in their council tax under his party’s plans to reform the current “unfair and outdated” system.



Adam Price pointed out that the values of properties in different parts of the country have changed differently over the 18 years since the last revaluation in 2003, citing the example of Blaenau Gwent where it has increased more than twice as much as in Wrexham.


The Plaid Cymru Leader said that around 20% of households in the bottom fifth of income distribution would see their council tax bill fall by around £200.


Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price said:


“The Institute of Fiscal Studies describes Wales’s current council tax model as ‘out of date, regressive and distortionary’. It is unsurprising but entirely unacceptable that Welsh families have been hit by a total of £13m of council tax arrears during the pandemic. 


“That is why a Plaid Cymru government would take immediate action to reform this deeply unfair system and help the average household make their weekly budget go further.


“The value of properties in different parts of Wales has varied considerably over the 18 years since the last revaluation in 2003. For example, it has increased twice as much in Blaenau Gwent as in Wrexham.


“As the IFS also notes, making council tax proportional to up-to-date values would lead to average bills falling by more than £160 in Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot and Blaenau Gwent.  


“This progressive policy will form part of Plaid Cymru’s wider programme for government which has fairness for families at its heart.”


ENDS