Cost of living measures 'missed opportunity', says Welsh first minister
Summary
The Welsh first minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said the UK government's recent cost of living measures are not enough and called for stronger action on energy prices. The government has introduced reduced taxes on some summer attractions and fuel to help families, but the Welsh leader wants more control over welfare and additional support.Key Facts
- The UK government cut VAT (a sales tax) on some summer attractions from 20% to 5%.
- The VAT cut applies from the end of June until early September and affects theme parks, zoos, museums, cinemas, soft play areas, theatres, and children’s meals.
- There is a £1 cap on bus fares for people aged 5 to 21 in Wales.
- England will offer free bus travel for children in August, with Wales receiving £7 million in funding for similar support.
- Fuel duty cuts of 5p per litre have been extended until the end of the year.
- Rhun ap Iorwerth called for more help with energy prices and wants welfare powers to be devolved from the UK government to Wales.
- Plaid Cymru won the most seats in the recent Welsh Parliament election and formed a minority government.
- The Welsh government has not announced new cost of living initiatives but plans to continue supporting families with available powers.
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