Labour calls on Welsh government to withdraw budget plans

Plaid Cymru is facing defeat in a Senedd vote on its spending plans after Labour refused to support changes to the budget.

Labour said the Welsh Government should withdraw its supplementary budget because of a dispute with teaching unions.

The NAHT and ASCL criticised the government over a pay deal and funding for the education of pupils with additional learning needs (ALN).

Labour finance spokesman Huw Thomas said: "Our view is we cannot support a supplementary budget on that basis."

Without a majority in the Senedd, Plaid needs support from opposition Members of the Senedd (MSs) to win the budget vote on Tuesday night.

Welsh government makes 'final proposal' to Labour on budget

Thomas added: "The Welsh government need to withdraw it today, negotiate with those unions to get an agreement there and then bring it back to the chamber."

Published three weeks ago, the supplementary budget worth £300m includes funding to reduce NHS waiting times and expand childcare.

It is Plaid's first opportunity to review the government's spending plans since winning May's Senedd election.

Ministers have set aside a further £247m of day-to-day spending which has not yet been allocated.

Labour has been calling for £100m of that unallocated money to be spent on ALN.

On Monday night, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth wrote to Labour with a "final proposal" to spend an extra £40m on ALN this year and in each of the next two financial years.

But on Tuesday morning it emerged the NAHT Cymru and ASCL Cymru unions were in dispute with the government over a 3.5% pay deal and an "on-going crisis" in ALN funding.

Thomas said "if the vote goes ahead we will vote against".

Reform UK and the Conservatives have said they are not in talks with the government, with both parties expected to vote against the budget.

Tuesday's vote is scheduled for the final week of Senedd business before the summer recess.