Wales demands £1bn rail investment boost in upcoming UK Budget

The Welsh Government has called on the UK Chancellor to provide an immediate £1 billion boost to rail investment as part of the upcoming Budget. Finance Minister Elin Jones described the Budget as a “moment of truth” for Wales, arguing that the nation has been “short-changed” for years.

Jones highlighted a significant disparity in infrastructure spending, noting that Wales receives only 1% of Network Rail’s total spending across England and Wales. She urged the government to bring forward £1 billion of the promised £14 billion intended to address decades of underfunding to ensure visible improvements.

Beyond rail, the Welsh Government is demanding a reversal of real-terms cuts to day-to-day and capital budgets. Additional priorities include targeted support for vulnerable households facing high energy costs and an end to the freeze on Local Housing Allowance, which officials warn is increasing the risk of homelessness as rents rise.