Communities First Budget

The Opposition parties are currently using their majority over Labour in the Assembly to try to get support for council-tax payers in richer parts of Wales. I urged the Finance Minister this week to stand firm in negotiations and ensure that no cuts are made in Communities First budgets. As the Minister said, Labour's draft budget protected those budgets. They must be maintained.

Leighton Andrews: I urge you to withstand any cuts in this budget for social justice and regeneration, which was not covered in the amendment that was carried on the draft budget. Many of us are concerned that the opposition parties which want to see help for council tax payers in richer areas would be pressing for cuts in Communities First budgets, which would be seriously damaging to deprived communities throughout Wales. We want to see those Communities First budgets protected, Minister.

Sue Essex: The Communities First budgets are protected in the draft budget, Leighton, and I am sure that Members, across the board, will endorse that because it is a very worthwhile project.