As part of the public spending review, the
Chancellor George Osbourne announced that the Welsh government's budget will be
cut by two per cent in 2015. Revealing details of the spending review MPs were
told that the day-to-day revenue budget would be set at £13.6 billion pounds.
He also revealed that the UK government would publish its response to the Silk
commission on assembly powers shortly and details of an "impressive"
M4 relief road plan would be revealed on Wednesday. The Wales Office (the
Whitehall department) which represents Wales in the UK government would get a cut
of 10% in its running costs. The Welsh government budget cuts are part of
£11.5 billion pound savings from the UK government's overall spending plans of £740 billion pounds. Mr
Osborne has more than once (before today) highlighted the need for a M4 relief
road around Newport, while supporters of the scheme, and those who oppose it were
hoping that the Chancellor would give the scheme the go-ahead this week it now
appears that they and the residents of Brynglas (who’s homes have been
threatened by a new M4 tunnel) will now have to wait a little longer before
they get a definitive answer. Serious questions remain over how much the project
will cost up to £1 billion pounds will be paid for? Will it be a toll road? Just exactly how better
the money could be spent?
