Wales’ public services will receive a cash boost of more than £682m to support their COVID efforts over the coming months, the Welsh government has said.
Announced yesterday by the first minister, the package includes more than £635m for the NHS and local councils to help them deliver the vaccination programme, as well as boost testing capacity and the contact tracing programme.
The package also includes an additional £206.5m for the Local Government Hardship Fund, which supports social care services and ensures schools are able to adapt to their new ways of working.
A further £10.5m will extend the Discretionary Assistance Fund, which helps the most vulnerable people in Wales. There is also an extra £16.5m for apprenticeships and £18.6m to maintain vital public transport provision.
‘Throughout the pandemic, the role of our public sector partners – our NHS and local authority colleagues – has been nothing short of heroic. In a uniquely Welsh way, the public sector has worked together to protect the people of Wales,’ said first minster Mark Drakeford.
‘This significant package of investment we are announcing today will help support our crucial public services during the toughest of times until this crisis is over.’
