Welsh Lib Dems accuse Welsh Gov of abandoning rural Wales in final budget

This week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused the Welsh Labour Government of abandoning rural Wales.

In their final budget for the 2024-25 financial year, the Welsh Government is expected to follow through on a 13% cut in the Rural Affairs budget, creating a £62 million funding gap.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“These cuts to the Rural Affairs budget will have a disproportionate impact on the very heartbeat of Wales, creating long-lasting damage to our villages and farming communities.

Already facing uproar over the pitfalls of an unworkable farming scheme, these cuts will do the reputation of the Welsh Government no favours.

How many more times will the Welsh Labour government show their indifference to our rural communities?

How long will they continue to sideline the needs of our farmers?

The combination of an ill-conceived farming scheme and substantial cuts to rural investment will create a perfect storm that could devastate the already delicate futures of our rural communities.”