Commenting on the statement from the Welsh Labour Finance Minister on an economic stimulus package funded from the £38.9m Council Tax Barnett consequential, Paul Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Finance, said:

"I am disappointed that Ministers are using this additional funding to top up their existing policies rather than capitalise on the opportunity to drive economic growth.

"There is nothing new in this package other than a fresh attempt by Welsh Labour Ministers to be seen to act on the economy, while spending money which would be better spent by taxpayers themselves.

"Welsh Labour's refusal to implement a Council Tax freeze, despite being given the money to do it, is another squeeze on the incomes of hard-pressed families and pensioners.

"Welsh taxpayers are now going to lose out compared to families in England and Scotland, where Council Tax has been frozen.

"It is regrettable that Welsh Labour Ministers have decided to play politics with this rather than help the economy by putting money in people's pockets."