UK Budget Comment

2.33.40pm GMT Wed 21st Mar 2007

Commenting on the budget, Welsh Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jenny Randerson said: "Gordon Brown has gone for a superficially attractive budget, but it isn't one which builds a fairer or greener Wales. Neither does it tackle some of the key areas of concern for Wales - the Barnett Formula was out of date when Brown moved in to number 11 Downing Street. It will be unchanged when he moves next door.

"Cuts in Income tax and corporation tax will have to be paid for elsewhere. This is a nakedly populist move by a chancellor looking for a boost in popularity before he becomes prime minister.

"The Chancellor has talked a green budget, but it's still more Brown than green. He could have been bolder, particularly for people looking to export electricity to the national grid. We are looking to set a guaranteed level of payment as a real incentive to encourage micro-generation.

"I was intrigued to hear £6bn for those whose work pensions gone bankrupt, because Labour have opposed giving the ASW workers the help they deserve. We will have to look at the detail to see whether this will help ASW workers or not."