BUDGET drama gripped the Senedd today as Labour leader Ken Skates wrote to the First Minister demanding the government withdraw its supplementary Budget to allow further talks.

Labour was seeking £100 million for additional learning needs in schools (ALN) in this budget year.

But Plaid Cymru’s initial offer to allocate £40m this year and £40m next year was rebuffed.

FM Rhun ap Iorwerth then increased the offer to £120m spread over three years, but Labour has rejected this.

Two school leaders’ unions in Wales have jointly declared a collective trade dispute with the Welsh government over pay, and funding for ALN pupils.

Head teachers’ unions NAHT Cymru and ASCL Cymru have written to Education Minister Anna Brychan declaring the dispute, and have requested the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service steps in.

Plaid needs other parties’ votes to get its supplementary Budget agreed.

A Welsh government spokesperson said the budget vote would go ahead.