16/03/2016 BBC Wales Today

From 2018 we are going to halve the prize of tolls on the Severn

A welcome budget announcement for businesses and commuters who've

It's good news, obviously, it goes up every year. That will be good

then, halving it. Lovely. The chancellor also announces

a so-called "growth deal" for north Wales, and says he'll start talks

on a city deal for Swansea. We'll bring you all the analysis

on the Budget from our correspondents in Westminster

and Cardiff Bay. Also tonight, 9-year-old Gracie

thanks the hospital staff who help treat her rare disease,

now she's celebrating after funding for a life changing

drug is approved. And Warren Gatland apologies

after describing the "gypsy boy" comment made to Samson

Lee as "banter". They've been the subject of long

standing campaigns by businesses and commuters, and now Severn

crossing tolls will be That's one of a number

of announcements made Among other measures announced

by George Osborne are, tax breaks for a Port Talbot

enterprise zone, in the wake of job A rise in tax on the makers

of sugary drinks, with some Mr Osborne said he's

looking at a "growth deal" for North Wales,and is starting

talks on a "city deal" On top of that, the Welsh

Government's budget will rise by ?370 million

between now and 2020. We'll have reaction and analysis

from our correspondents here, First tonight, our Business

Correspondent, Brian Meechan. Around 80,000 vehicles cross the

seven bridges every day. The tolls we pay have been described as a tax

on entering Wales. One of the poorest parts of the UK. Today the

Chancellor said tolls will be cut in half from 2018. They currently cost

?6.60 for cars and ?19.80 for lorries and buses. He signalled his

intention for future investment in Wales.

We are committed to devolving power was to the Assembly and yesterday we

signed ?1 billion deal for the Cardiff region. We are opening

discussions on a city deal for Swansea undergrowth deal for North

Wales to better connect it to the northern powerhouse. I have listened

to the case made by Welsh Conservative colleagues and I can

announce today that from 2018 we will half the price of the tolls on

The Severn crossing tolls have been a frustration for businesses for

years, today's announcement was welcomed.

It is more than we hoped for. There is still room left for reduction

because the Welsh affairs select committee, after hearing the

evidence, suggested the tolls should be reduced to around ?1.50 which

would cover maintenance. While, if that is what they are on

about that is good for business, isn't it? We are all trying to make

money, so that's good. That would be good, then. Halving

it. Lovely. Brilliant. The Chancellor

also said he would negotiate a city deal for these once the region,

that's a ?500 million plan to ensure that the area is at the centre of

the next generation of technology. This business is already operating

at the cutting edge of industry. It is one of Wales great success

stories, making semiconductors that are exported across the world. If

you have a mobile phone, the chances are, it was almost certainly got one

of these products are decided. The Chancellor's support for the Swansea

-based city deal with emphasis on technology is welcome here.

When you look at innovation which is a key part of the Swansea city deal

and also the Cardiff City deal, innovation is one of the most

innovative industries in the world, it has been semiconductors. It is

great that the Chancellor has recognised the importance of

semiconductors. Helping taboos to investment is also

part of the Chancellor's plans for Port Talbot which has been hit for

job losses are Tartar steel. The aim to create an enterprise zone and

more jobs. There are plans to ensure North

Wales will benefit from being able to do business with the northern

powerhouse. My question is where desert north

Wales see it fits? In Cardiff they talk about links to London? Are we

really talking about links to Liverpool and Manchester in North

Wales. They are a lot closer. Sugary drinks

manufacturers took a hit with a new levy. It will raise more than ?500

million across the UK to Charcoal childhood obesity. Some of that will

come to Wales. It is up to ministers hear how that money is spent.

We need to do something, it is a real problem, putting strain on the

national house. It will be interesting to see what BR reaction

of other people is. Will a pay that money or avoid the

drinks? I think grazing awareness is worth trying. It may put some people

off. The Government also introduced a

series of measures to boost the Welsh colony. They also talked about

the election campaign in the coming weeks.

So that's the business point of view, lets look now at how

the Budget is likely to affect taxpayers in Wales.

Here's our economics correspondent, Sarah Dickins.

When we think about taxes there are taxes on what we directly

earn as individuals and taxes on businesses.

The chancellor today in effect cut taxes on both of those.

Let's first look at the money in our pockets.

Those of us who pay income tax will be a bit better off

Around 1.3 million people in Wales pay income tax,

and they start paying when they earn more than ?10,600 pounds a year.

In Wales nine out of ten of those only pay the 20% basic rate,

from next April all income tax payers will be able to earn ?11,500

before they start paying tax, broadly a saving of about ?180

Also from next April the 40% rate of income tax won't come

in until people earn ?45,000, at the moment in Wales only 140,000

Nathan Palmer is a tailor in Penarth.

He employs six people on a part-time basis.

It's going to be fantastic for our business. It gives us the

opportunity to reinvest what we save on tax on machinery, new staff, and

taking on apprentices. I can't teach them the skills that I've learnt and

it gives them the opportunity to expand and grow.

What is clear is that the public sector in Wales faces more cuts

The Chancellor says there needs to be another ?3.5 billion

of savings to be made across the UK, in the next three years,

that will take money out of the Welsh economy.

It was at Westminster that the Chancellor delivered his budget, are

Parliamentary correspondent is therefore for us tonight.

MPs are also doing it number crunching tonight, looking at the

budget. They will spend a week debating it. Stephen Crabb will be

telling me in a moment what he thinks it is a good deal for Wales.

But first you is a look at other Welsh political reaction.

We know these targets, we know that growth is done. We know he is

spending less on infrastructure. The worst thing of all is the way he has

been hitting disabled people with this massive cat in the personal

independent payment. It's what he didn't say that is most telling of

the announcements regarding Wales we knew already, or the only affect

England. The education announcements, the

infrastructure announcements, the business tax announcements all

relates to England. There are some interesting topics in

this but there are big concerns and worries, not least the 5p worth of

cuts which are going to impact on many people in Wales.

There's just too much additional taxes, yet the Government is still

boring. It's just busted back beyond the horizon, they'll deal with it in

2019. -- was still borrowing. The Government is borrowing far too

much. Stephen Crabb joins me now. Severn crossing tolls if you live

near the motorway, if you don't, what will be the impact on that cut

in the rest of Wales? Research has shown that the levels are high and

it has a knock-on impact for, not just people who live near the

bridge, but the businesses who use it.

It has a knock-on impact for the south Wales and Welsh economy. The

announcement today about slashing the tolls in half is good news for

economic terms. So why not scrap them altogether?

Well, the Severn Bridge is one of the most important bits of transport

infrastructure in the UK, it requires a lot of maintenance every

year. There are things we want to do to improve it in the future. We want

to allow cars to move through three league so they can pay without

stopping using digital technology. That needs funding. -- to move

through really. George Osborne says the budget opens

the door for a deal for North Wales, what does that mean, it's vague?

People are asking the same question about the Cardiff City deal and

yesterday we landed the largest ever deal with Cardiff with ?1.2 billion.

Of course, people are asking the same questions were North Wales. I

say the same thing we did 12 months ago, it's about beginning

discussions with businesses, local authorities about what they want to

see happen over the next 20 years to lift economic growth and investment

in North Wales. There is massive potential there already. With a new

growth do we can't ignore the rest of the next level.

The Swansea city deal, nothing in the budget about the tidal lagoon

project in which the local economy regeneration could depend?

But right before the budget the Prime Minister was on his feet

talking about the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon. He said, look, we set up a

review to see if we can make this project happen. It is exciting, but

it is expensive. We want to find out if there is a way to make this

We want to find out if there is a way to make this happen.

We'll have more on the budget later in the programme,

but you can find more details about what's been announced

Some of the day's other news now: Unemployment in Wales has fallen

again, meaning the gap between Wales and the rest of the UK has narrowed.

The rate now stands at 5.2% compared to 5.1% across the UK.

The number unemployed here between November and January

was 79 ,000 that's 13,000 fewer than the same time last year.

Equipment has started to arrive at a collapsed power plant

in Oxfordshire, to help recover the bodies of three workers,

34-year-old Christopher Huxtable, from Bonymaen, was part of the team

preparing one of the buildings at Didcot Power Station

for demolition, when it collapsed last month.

His family has been critical of the rescue operation.

The family of a nine-year-old girl from Flintshire with a rare

inherited disease are celebrating after the Welsh NHS agreed to fund

an expensive drug which improves her quality of life.

Gracie Mellalieu, from Mynydd Isa near Mold, is one of a handful

of people in Wales with Morquio Syndrome,

which affects her joints and mobility.

But the drug Vimizim has been approved for use here.

Gracie Mellalieu is having her weekly lesson at

Clwyd Special Riding Centre near Mold.

It's something that's been made possible by the treatment she's been

Morquio Syndrome is a life-limiting condition which affects her vision,

Until now she's been included on an experimental trial of a drug

called Vimizim which appears to help her symptoms.

She's growing really well, aren't you?

She doesn't need a wheelchair in school.

I used to just walk there, but now I'm starting

But the trial was coming to an end and there was a question mark over

whether the NHS in Wales would fund the therapy as it costs around

?900,000 a year to treat the small number of patients here.

The recommendation has come from the All Wales Medicines

Strategy Group which decides on the clinical

Patients can provide personal testimony and health boards must

make funding available within three months of the decision.

But until now we've only had therapies that helps people

to manage a condition, this new drug, Vimizim,

actually makes a difference to the condition itself.

It will really make a difference, and although it's very expensive

and very rare, the advice is that we should fund it in Wales,

# I can be anything # You can see anything # I can be anything It's

enough to make anyone want to burst into song.

Footage of Gracie at Wrexham Maelor hospital shows her indulging her

passion for singing during her treatment.

The decision to fund Gracie's treatment here in Wales will make

a huge difference to her quality of life.

As well as making a difference to her family it means she can spend

more time indulging her passions, singing, attending brownies,

Martin Richards, BBC Wales Today, Llanfynedd.

Four days after the "gypsy boy" comment to Samson Lee it's

still making headlines, as the Wales coach apologies

And there's more dry weather to come, but will it be sunny or cloudy

tomorrow. And some weather watcher's photos.

More reaction now on the Chancellor's Budget.

The Welsh Government has responded by saying that it fails to reverse

Funding from Westminster to ministers here is due to rise

by around ?90 million a year over the next four years.

The Welsh government's finance minister Jane Hutt gave this

Clearly, there is a bit of funding coming our way. But we are worried

about is the .5 billion cuts he has to make over the next four years.

This time last year they cut out budget and this is a Chancellor who

loves to come back with changes, up and down, so we are a bit concerned

about the future. Our political editor is at the Senedd, what is the

reaction they? There has been a huge sigh of relief

from the Conservatives after the spring conference which saw a lot of

divisions between the party in Wales and number ten. They have now been

given a gift from the Chancellor, and the Welsh Tories will look to

use that in the Assembly campaign. The other parties here are saying

they welcome the reduction in tolls but would like to see them scrapped

altogether. The pressure won't stop on that front.

Another very interesting potential development would be the extent to

which it really focuses minds on plans for the M4 relief road in

Newport. Baby ideas, new tolls -- lower tolls

-- the reality is that it would put things under severe strain. It is

not often we say this extraordinary developments here at the Senedd. The

final piece of legislation of this Assembly term, the public health

Bill. The most contentious parts are banning the use of electronic

cigarettes in public places. Labour, which doesn't have a majority, was

going to get support from Plaid Cymru members, but what happens

earlier is that the Labour minister, Leighton Andrews referred to an

earlier deal between Labour and plied as a cheap date, Plaid Cymru

have taken offence and withdrawn their support. As things stand, this

bill is going to fail. So, it would be the first time that any proposed

legislation from this government would have failed at this stage, an

enormous waste of hours and time, and efforts from officials and

Assembly members and, strikingly, it will cause enormous divisions

between Labour and Plaid Cymru. One senior Labour spokesman told me

that if this bill is rejected it would show that Plaid Cymru are

would show that Plaid Cymru are unfit to govern.

The Chief Executive of the only Health Board in Wales that's

in special measures has said the structure of the NHS in Wales

Gary Doherty was appointed the Chief Executive of North Wales'

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board last month after moving

There's less fragmentation here, what you've got our GPs, hospital

doctors, community nurses, other staff, all in the same organisation,

back in England, those people would often be in separate organisations.

Warren Gatland has apologised for any offence he's caused

in describing Joe Marler's 'gypsy boy' comment to Samson Lee

His intention, he says, was to take focus away from Samson,

and he doesn't condone racism of any kind.

Warren Gatland was asked for an opinion, he was referring to this

incident when Samson Lee was called Gypsy boy during the six Nations

game at Twickenham. Yesterday the head coach described it as banter.

I am sure it was just a bit of banter, that is what Samson said.

Joe said, look, I was just having a bit of fun. He apologised at

half-time and Samson has no issue. He apologised at half-time

and Samson has no issue. Former Captain Gareth Thomas

responded on social media describing The Wales Head Coach

has since apologised, and in a statement this afternoon

says he doesn't condone racism His intention, he says,

was to take focus away from Samson and the comments were made

following a discussion with the Wales prop,

who doesn't believe it was racist in intent and has

accepted Joe's apology. In a week when attention should be

on the final game against Italy the comments made four days ago is still

at the major talking point. The language on the pitches is

different to the language you speak in the street. You know, it's OK.

A lot of fans will say things and say that's just banter. In the

playground is just banter, is it banter or bullying?

It is as if they were discussing his colour, race or ethnic background.

It's all part of the same thing, it's not banter.

Sam from within the Gypsy community were heard by the comments but hope

some good can come of the incident. -- some people from the gypsy

community. If the word black, gay, disabled,

Jew had been used, that wouldn't be acceptable. Being a Romany Gypsy

myself I felt hurt when I heard it that weekend. But, hopefully, there

is opportunity for diversity and equality training and e-learning

opportunity. Mahler has admitted to foul play

after allegedly striking Rob Evans. A disciplinary committee concluded

the incident would not have wanted a red card. The prop is free to resume

playing immediately. It is expected the six Nations will now look at the

matter involving Samson Lee. Time for a look at

the weather forecast. Derek's here, is this dry

weather going to last? There is more dry weather to come

into next week and some more sunshine but if you cloudy days on

sunshine but if you cloudy days on the horizon.

After cloudy start for most of us this morning.

Blue sky and sunshine and a fine afternoon too in some places.

A bit of a chill in the air, though, with a cool north-easterly breeze.

Clearer in parts of the south and west and colder than last night.

A few places falling to freezing with a slight frost.

The chart for tomorrow shows high pressure over the UK

and that's the reason for the dry, settled weather.

The jet stream over the Atlantic diverted north

Another part of the jet stream over Spain and North Africa and that

Most of the north, Powys and the Marches cloudy and cold.

Maybe a spot of drizzle otherwise dry.

Parts of the south and west bright and sunny.

Most places enjoying a fine and sunny afternoon.

Maybe a few clouds in the north east.

8 to 11 Celsius but in the sunshine feeling pleasant with a light

chilly, cloudy start but brightening-up

10 celcius in Porthcawl with a cool breeze.

A few clouds otherwise the sky clear with a widespread frost.

On Friday frost and fog will lift leaving a dry day.

Sunshine for most but the Marches may be cloudy and cool.

Highest temperatures in the west 11 or 12 Celsius.

High pressure still in charge but it will drift a little further west

allowing moister air to reach us from the Atlantic.

So much cloudier over the weekend but mostly dry and settled.

No more than the odd spot of drizzle.

More dry weather but it may turn more unsettled Easter weekend.

A reminder of our top story. Tolls on the Severn crossing will be

halved from 2018. George Osborne announced the cuts in the budget. He

is also looking at a good deal for North Wales and starting talks on a

city deal for Swansea. We are committed to devolving new

powers to the Assembly, yesterday, my right honourable friend is the

Welsh Secretary and Chief Secretary signed ?1 million deal for the

Cardiff region. We are opening discussion on a city deal for

Swansea undergoes deal for North Wales to bat connected to the

Northern powerhouse. I have listened to the case made by Welsh

Conservative colleagues and can announce today that from 2018 we are

going to half the price of tolls on the seven crossings.

Let's get a final word from our economics correspondent

Sarah Dickins - how could be the impact of this budget be

Hauliers will be very happy tonight. There are 60,000 people work for

hauliers, they will be happy. There are also other things that

could hurt the economy picked up, for instance, the way is open for

tax breaks to be offered on an enterprise zone in Port Talbot that

the Welsh government would have two launch itself and talk they are of a

city deal for Swansea Bay region. That is talking about ultrafast

broadband which could affect much more of the Welsh economy. The

growth fund for the North are also positives.

Some people will be happier today. So what is the forecast life? That's

not so happy. There are dark clouds on the global economy horizon. The

forecasts are not good for the UK either. We are part of that. The

message is that the UK economy is slowing down. The message from the

Chancellor is because of those dark clouds more cuts are necessary, and

that takes money out of our economy. Some people will be happy, but it's

Some people will be happy, but it's not much growth overall.

I'll be back with a quick update at 8pm, and a full round up

That's Wales Today, from everyone on the programme,