A major new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has revealed a serious deterioration in key Welsh public services since the pandemic, prompting renewed criticism of the Welsh Labour Government from local Member of the Senedd Samuel Kurtz.
The independent analysis, examining public service spending and outcomes in Wales, finds that performance across both the health and education systems is now substantially worse than before COVID-19 and worse than in England. Despite Wales receiving around 15% more funding per head than England, roughly £1.15 for every £1 spent in England, this report shows that outcomes in key public services are still falling behind.
Responding to the findings, Samuel Kurtz MS said the report should serve as a “wake-up call” about the impact of years of mismanagement by the Welsh Labour government in Cardiff Bay, which has been supported in the Senedd by Plaid Cymru.
The report highlights several alarming trends, including:
- School absence rates still 50% higher than in 2019
- Average hospital in-patient stays around 40% longer in Wales than in England
- A&E waiting times worsening over the past two years
- The share of 16–17 year-olds in full-time education falling from 78% in 2014 to 64% in 2024
Researchers warn that failing to address declining education participation and performance could have serious long-term consequences for Wales’ economy and young people.
Commenting, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“This independent report lays bare the staggering decline we are seeing in Welsh public services after more than a quarter of a century of Labour running Wales, propped up by Plaid Cymru.
“Families across Pembrokeshire already know things are getting worse, despite the hard work of NHS staff and teachers. Whether it’s struggling to get timely hospital treatment or seeing the impact of falling school standards, this report confirms those concerns in black and white.
“It is particularly alarming to see school absences still dramatically higher than before the pandemic and the number of young people in full-time education falling so sharply. That should concern anyone who cares about Wales’ future.”
Mr Kurtz added that the findings show the need for urgent action and greater accountability from the Welsh Government.
“Wales receives significant funding for public services, £1.15 for every £1 in England, yet outcomes are slipping behind. Labour and Plaid cannot keep blaming others while performance continues to decline.
“Ministers must finally confront the scale of these problems and produce a clear plan to turn things around. The people of Wales deserve far better than the stagnation and decline highlighted in this report.”
The Institute for Fiscal Studies report states that policymakers in Wales should do more to understand the causes of declining performance and warns that the cost of failing to act could be significant for Wales in the years ahead.
