2023 was tough for many of us, not only across Wales but the world. The war in Ukraine remained fierce and continued to have a huge impact on both energy and food prices which has kept inflation high in many countries.
Worldwide we are all still recovering from the pandemic which stretched resources to their limits, however in Wales, Welsh Labour chose this time to ‘sucker punch’ us by introducing the 20mph blanket speed limit, estimated to cost the Welsh economy £9billion, and have 36 more politicians in Cardiff Bay starting from the next election at cost of £100million.
I believe our Conservative UK Government has steered the UK well, given these unprecedented times. We saw record levels of financial support given to Wales, including £20 million awarded to the Vale of Glamorgan Council from the UK Government Levelling Up Fund enabling local projects across the Vale, helping support people and businesses, and growing the economy.
The Chancellor also announced that the national living wage would increase to £11.44 per hour putting more money into the pockets of workers. This month we also see a 2% cut to National Insurance contributions, with 1.2million workers in Wales having an average annual tax cut of £324. These changes not only acknowledge the tough financial year we have had as a result of the increased cost of living due to the wars in Ukraine and Israel but also as a direct result of recovering from the global pandemic.
They have also listened to the concerns facing the oldest in our communities by increasing the state pension by 8.5% and ensuring the triple-lock is kept.
We have a UK Government that understands the day-to-day issues facing us and is tackling them head-on without constantly passing the blame and whilst times have been tough, I am certain that if we had a Labour UK Government we would be in a very bad state indeed.
I do not know what challenges 2024 will bring, but I do know when we stand behind a Conservative Government, I have confidence in their ability to deliver for the United Kingdom.
Finally, I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year and I hope you have a healthy and prosperous 2024!
ENDS
