The Welsh Government's final budget for 2025-26 has sparked mixed reactions from political representatives in Brecon and Radnorshire, with significant funding secured for local projects, but ongoing concerns about healthcare and agricultural priorities.

James Evans, MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, has expressed deep disappointment with the budget, calling it a missed opportunity for his constituents. While he welcomed the funding for projects like the Wyeside Arts Centre and improvements at Pontybat crossroads, he stressed that it fails to address the pressing needs of Brecon and Radnorshire.

"This budget falls woefully short in addressing the urgent healthcare challenges facing our area," he said, highlighting the lack of specific funding for Minor Injury Units and the resources needed to support Powys Teaching Health Board.

He also raised concerns that the education sector and farmers in the region were not adequately supported.

Mr Evans did not hold back when addressing Jane Dodds MS’s decision to back the deal, accusing her of putting political convenience ahead of the needs of the people she represents.

"After initially saying there was ‘no deal at all’, Jane Dodds has now agreed to support a Welsh Labour Government that is neglecting the people of our area," he said.

"This is yet another example of political posturing rather than real leadership."

“This agreement is a cheap date for Labour, but an expensive mistake for Wales and the people of Brecon and Radnorshire," he added."

Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Mid & West Wales MS, has defended her decision to support the Welsh Government’s budget.

Ms Dodds said the budget deal, worth more than £100m, "is a positive step in making Wales the fairer and more prosperous country I want it to be".

Ms Dodds pointed to substantial investments for Powys, including a guaranteed 3.8 per cent increase in funding for Powys County Council, £1.25m for the restoration of a fifth daily train service on the Heart of Wales line, and £400,000 for safety measures at the Pontybat junction.

“I’m delighted that I've been able to win the funding needed to deliver real improvements for local residents," she said.

“Today’s announcement is a positive first step in delivering the ambitious change the Welsh Liberal Democrats want to see."

Ms Dodds also highlighted the £200,000 secured for the Wyeside Arts Centre and £1m for the restoration of Brynammon Lido. She argued that, despite the challenges of limited funding from Westminster, the deal would help address key priorities in social care, childcare, and environmental issues.

But Ms Dodds also acknowledged her frustration with Wales’ funding settlement from the UK Government.

“Wales is still being let down by Labour in Westminster. Wales need a fairer deal from the UK Government and I think it’s urgent that they devolve the Welsh Crown Estate and deliver additional funds as a result of HS2 consequential.” she said, adding that she would be abstaining from the vote on March 4.

Labour holds 30 of the 60 seats in the Senedd, so Welsh Government ministers need the help of at least one opposition politician to get laws and budgets passed.

In response to Mr Evans comments, a Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: “If James Evans had his way and no budget had been passed, public services in Wales would have been cut by £5 billion. That would have meant the NHS, schools and councils all being worse off.”

They added that Jane Dodds had secured millions of pounds in funding to benefit Powys residents and accused Mr Evans of playing “party-political games”.

The Welsh Government, which negotiated the budget deal with the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has welcomed the additional £100m in funding for social care, childcare, and local government services.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford said: "The additional investment will make a real difference to communities across Wales, particularly in rural areas.

“Taken together with the extra £1.5bn announced in our Draft Budget, this is a positive package of additional funding for every part of Wales, which will have a significant impact on our public services.”