First Minister, Mark Drakeford has welcomed official figures which show Wales continues to invest more in key public services than other parts of the UK.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Figures released by the Treasury show health spending in Wales was £2,402 per person in 2018-19 – 6% higher than in England and £91 more per person compared to the previous year.
Spending on health and social services combined has increased by 4.6% in Wales – an increase of £134 on the previous year. Spending on health and social services per person in Wales is the highest of the 4 UK countries and some 11% higher than in England (an extra £294).
According to the Country and Regional Analysis 2018-19 figures spending on education in Wales is comfortably higher than it is in England. Spend per person in Wales stands at £1,365 – £73 more than in England.
The First Minister said:
These figures show we are continuing to protect frontline services against the worst impacts of the UK government’s ongoing policy of austerity.
Investing in our NHS and social services is at the heart of our spending plans and these figures show our commitment to provide the best care for people across Wales.
The investment we make in education is a sign of our determination to provide a system in Wales which gives children the best start in life.
These figures, which are published every year by HM Treasury, show the value we place on public services in Wales and highlight our commitment to doing everything we can to help them meet the very real challenges they face today.