FINANCE minister Edwina Hart (pictured) has come under fire after making Wales wait to learn how the chancellor's funding boost will be spent.

English schools, GPs and local authorities were told how the £90 billion cash injection into public services will be allocated.

But Wales must wait at least three months - while AMs have their summer recess - before any indication is given. A draft budget is not due until October 15.

England's education budget for 2005-06 will be £58bn. The NHS gets an extra £40bn, with new targets for health and social services.

Wales received £11.8bn for public services over the next three years from the chancellor's comprehensive spending review, an increase of £2.3bn.

Ms Hart told AMs yesterday she would hold discussions with spending ministers during the summer recess over the allocation of the money. "We can deliver and at the end of it we know we will deliver. We know what we are doing."

But the delay has provoked anger.

Geraint Davies, of teaching union the NASUWT, said schools needed to the next financial year over the summer. "There will be a feeling of doubt and uncertainty among teachers over the summer as to whether there is the money to pay for them in the autumn. It is far too long a time to wait."

Torfaen assistant director of education Paul Matthews agreed, adding: "It would be better for the service to know how much as soon as possible."

Karl Davies, director of head teachers' union NAHT Cymru said: "It is essential that we know how much more money this statement means for schools in Wales."

Plaid finance spokeswoman Janet Ryder said: "It just shows that Edwina has not been included in the discussions at Westminster. If she was then she would know the implications for her various budgets and act.

David Davies, Tory AM for Monmouth, said: "I think it is incredible. The fact that she has to wait that long is unacceptable. She should have thought about how to allocate her budget long ago, not leave it over the summer."

Huw Edwards, MP for Monmouth, said schools in Wales should have amounts equal to those in England, where primary schools will typically receive £50,000 and senior schools £165,000.

Peter Law, Labour member for Blaenau Gwent said: "It's part of the process of consultation that takes this long."

Newport AM John Griffiths said: "Westminster and the National Assembly work very well together and it is brilliant news that we are going to get close to £12 bn to spend on Wales and it."