The UK Government must begin delivering its £14bn commitment to address the historical underfunding of Wales’ railways, Welsh Government finance minister Elin Jones MS has said.
In a letter to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget on 28 October, Jones called for £1bn of the existing rail investment commitment to be brought forward to accelerate improvement projects across Wales.
Funding demands
Jones said that just 1% of Network Rail’s spending across England and Wales is currently directed towards Welsh railways. She urged Westminster to provide what she described as a “fair deal on funding, investment and opportunity”.
“Wales has waited long enough. This budget is the UK Government’s chance to show it’s serious about delivering for our communities,” Jones said.
“The UK Government has committed to invest £14 billion to address the historical underfunding of Wales’ railways and I want to see that promise turned into action, starting with this budget.”
The minister also called for the reversal of real-terms reductions to Wales’ day-to-day and capital budgets, as well as targeted support for households facing financial pressure.
Her proposals include housing and energy support, and protection for payments received by families on the lowest incomes.
Wider infrastructure priorities
Jones also asked the UK Government to support major projects including the decarbonisation of Pembrokeshire Power Station.
“Wales already makes a strong contribution to the UK economy, and investing in our future will help deliver the Prime Minister’s own ambition to spread prosperity and opportunity to every part of the UK,” she said.
“This budget is the moment to match that ambition with action.”