REVIEW OF FUNDING IS KEY TO NEXT ASSEMBLY -RANDERSON

2.17.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Mar 2007

Commenting on the calls by leading organisations for a review of the Barnett Formula, Welsh Lib Dem Finance spokesperson, Jenny Randerson, said: "Some of Wales' leading voluntary sector bodies are now calling for a review of the Barnett Formula. They realise that Wales will continue to be short changed while we stick to an outdated formula which gives Wales a portion of what England spends, not what Wales needs.

"The Barnett Formula means that the Assembly does not receive as much money as it should. Wales will continue to struggle to improve health levels, raise the standard of public services and lift prosperity levels, while this situation continues. Successive Labour and Conservative governments have persisted with a formula that was only ever introduced as a temporary measure - nearly 30 years ago!

"Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to press for a new funding formula that takes account of Wales' needs and scrap the out-moded 'Barnett Formula' which short changes Wales."

Notes:

Welsh Liberal Democrats have long campaigned to replace the out-dated Barnett Formula with a new system of funding for the Nations and Regions of the UK which takes account of the needs of each area. This campaign will also feature in the forthcoming manifesto for the 2007 Welsh General Election.

Organisations including the BMA, Sustrans Cymru and NAHT Cymru launched a campaign for an independent review today.

Ends/diwedd  

Gareth Price

Head of Assembly Group Office - Pennaeth y swyddfa Grwp Cynulliad

Welsh Liberal Democrats - Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru

029 2089 8426

07976 898285

Gareth.price1@wales.gov.uk