Labour and Plaid Cymru have reached an agreement to pass the supplementary budget in the Senedd, securing £60m for additional learning needs (ALN) in this financial year.
The minority government's supplementary budget was put forward in July but failed, in what finance minister Elin Jones described as a "painful" loss. The budget is not the main budget, which totals some £27bn, but represents in-year adjustments totalling £433m.
Deal details and timeline
Under the new deal, the supplementary budget will be laid in the Senedd on Tuesday, October 13, and debated from Tuesday, November 3. The agreement includes £60m for ALN funding in this financial year.
Labour had previously said Plaid Cymru did not allocate enough money in the revised budget to additional learning needs. The last publicly proposed deal saw Plaid offering £120m spread across three years, while Labour demanded £100m up front within the current financial year.
Statements from party leaders
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "This agreement reflects what can be achieved when parties across the Senedd work together. It will unlock an extra £60m towards additional learning needs in this financial year. It also allows us to bring forward a supplementary budget that continues our investment in the NHS, childcare, and free school meals."
Labour leader Ken Skates added: "This money will make a huge difference to schools and colleges across Wales and it is important that it now delivers for the children and young people who need it. This is a welcome first step towards better funding for schools and getting the best possible deal for children and young people across Wales."
