The Welsh Government has abandoned a manifesto pledge of creating 125,000 new apprentices in a challenging draft budget for 2024-25 which will also see firms having to pay around £50m more in business rates. Finance Minister Rebecca Evans, as well trailed, delivered a sobering funding settlement, which with the impact of inflation will mean a real terms cut on 2021 of more than £1bn. As expected she prioritised funding to cushion the impact on health spending - although an extra £450m next year will still mean tough decisions will have to be made. In this Senedd term the Welsh Government had promised in its manifesto to create 125…
