In response to the Supplementary Budget announced by Welsh Government today, I recognise there is an enormous challenge to face in dealing with the immediate COVID-19 crisis.

“I welcome the responses such as support for businesses, care homes and the voluntary sector, which are all very important and immediate needs.

Now we need to explore opportunities for doing things differently, and take a more long-term approach as we move from the crisis into recovery towards a better Wales post COVID-19.

The Welsh Government should further explore how it is maximising the opportunities presented by the crisis, using the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the public appetite for change.

We’re not going back to business as usual and we need to see a commitment to an improved way of life, supported by a well-being economy approach to all financial decisions, including funding the climate and nature emergency declared last year.

Climate change is going to have an even more substantial effect on the economy in the long-term, and we need a green economic stimulus for the economy that involves a housing retrofit, nature-based solutions and improving connectivity.

I would urge the Government to work with my office and others to identify more innovative proposals and commitments that allow us to come out of the crisis as strong as we can be.

That means improving well-being in the long-term and having serious conversations about things like Universal Basic Income and a 4-day working week that could tackle social inequalities and improve quality of life.

I will be challenging the Government to ensure that we are embracing the opportunities to rebuild a better Wales – putting the needs of current and future generations at the heart of decision making.”