WELSH Finance Minister Mark Drakeford met his British counterparts in Cardiff yesterday to discuss the UK Spending Review and upcoming Spring Statements.

A Westminster government briefing said ministers at the Finance: Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee (F:ISC) shared their priorities as part of the second phase of review.

“All four ministers agreed on the importance of continued collaboration on priorities such as local growth funding and budget flexibility, which are key to driving economic growth and ensuring resources are maximised,” it said.

Mr Drakeford said that “ensuring the devolved governments have the appropriate budgetary flexibilities and levers to support economic growth, including future local growth funds” was an important aspect of the discussions.

He said ministers “look at ways to work together to make the best use of the resources we have.”

The Senedd will be voting on the Welsh Spring Budget next week, which will also include discussions on the impact of Labour’s changes to National Insurance Contributions on businesses and organisations in Wales. The UK Spring Statement will follow on March 26.