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Evans says
the additional funding which came to Wales in the 2020-21 financial year was “huge” – at £5.2 billion.
But it was
the Barnett Guarantee – which made sure consequential funding given to Wales
for spending by the UK government elsewhere didn’t fall below a certain level – that was crucial.
“When that
arrived, it was very useful,” Wales’ finance minister tells the inquiry.
“It should
have happened earlier. It was definitely a huge step forward but even more
clarity was needed.”
She says it didn’t impact the big decisions being made, but it meant they were carrying big risks, which was a “very, very uncomfortable place to be”.
Asked what
clarity she was seeking, Evans says she was asking for more frequent sharing of
reconciliation data, carrying money over to a new financial year and
whether Wales could increase borrowing.
She also
says the Welsh government asked to have “full access” to the Welsh reserve,
worth £350m, but this was denied during the pandemic. It was then agreed in
this financial year due to the cost of living crisis.
“There doesn’t
seem to be any rhyme or reason,” she says.
