Plaid Cymru says a new Wales Bill would ensure fair funding for Wales and powers over welfare, income tax, energy, the Crown Estate, policing and justice, and transport to truly make a difference for our communities like in Scotland.
Scotland’s more generous funding model and additional powers means that the Scottish Government was able to mitigate the impact of cruel Westminster policies on Scottish communities as part of their recent Draft Budget 2025-26.
By voting against Plaid Cymru’s motion, the party has stated that Labour again has showed a lack of ambition for Wales and has consigned our communities to face the “brunt of damaging Westminster policies.”
Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “At the very least, Wales should have the same powers as other devolved countries to make a difference for our communities, yet Labour have voted against that basic principle.
“While the Scottish Government is able to lift thousands of children out of poverty and restore the Winter Fuel Payment for vulnerable pensioners – Labour’s lack of ambition for Wales and their failure to demand the same fair funding and powers means our communities are left to face the brunt of damaging Westminster policies.
“A new Wales Bill is needed to level the playing field, coupled with fair funding based on Wales’ needs to properly invest in public services.
“We’re clear that powers over the Crown Estate, rail infrastructure, welfare, justice and policing aren’t constitutional nice-to-haves – they’re all about being able to ensure meaningful change to our communities. Only Plaid Cymru can be trusted to fight for Wales when and where it matters.”