Plaid Cymru and Lib Dems announce £100m budget deal

Plaid Cymru wanted to secure a deal to help people in the short term – a deal that will make a practical difference to people’s lives, now, today. This deal does that.

Plaid Cymru wants to break the link between poverty and attainment, so we are pleased to have been able to secure a deal whereby the Pupil Deprivation Grant has been extended. This will target funding directly at disadvantaged students. The Party of Wales wants this increased expenditure to have the most positive impact possible, which is why we also welcome the Welsh Government's review into its effectiveness.

Welsh Liberal Democrats were not elected to the Assembly to turn our backs on the desperate need to improve education funding in Wales. We may have a small group in the National Assembly, but our influence in these budget negotiations will have a big impact on children’s lives.

We have also been able to agree a package that will help take the stress out of Labour’s failing NHS. Our hospitals are struggling under pressure and this fund will alleviate some of that stress by keeping patients out of our A&E, reduce unplanned admission and ensure timely from district general hospitals.

Joint working on the budget has delivered a strong and effective budget for the people of Wales.