First Minister quizzed on Caerphilly’s ‘under-threat’ Coffi Vista
THE first minister faced questions about the future of Caerphilly’s under-threat Coffi Vista following one of the biggest protests in the town for almost 50 years. Delyth Jewell quizzed Mark Drakeford on Caerphilly County Borough Council’s proposal to close the…
Entry fees to museums under consideration as financial pressures mount
ENTRY fees could be introduced at all national museum sites in Wales due to “critical” financial pressures, a committee heard. Dawn Bowden told the Senedd’s culture committee that ending free access to museums is under consideration as public bodies look…
Shortage of building inspectors causing major problems for local authorities
A SHORTAGE of building inspectors, an ageing workforce and building safety reforms are causing major problems for councils, a building control manager warned. The Senedd’s public accounts committee began taking evidence for an inquiry on building safety following a report…
Settling junior doctors’ strike in everyone’s best interest says Health Minister
SETTLING the junior doctors’ strike as soon as possible is in everyone’s best interests as the NHS grapples with extreme winter pressures, Wales’ health minister said. Eluned Morgan told the Senedd that the Welsh Government expected a significant impact from…
Nearly two-thirds of health care services in Wales go without inspection for five years
NEARLY two-thirds of health care services in Wales have not been inspected for five years, leading to concerns about patient safety, the Senedd heard. Gareth Davies led a Conservative debate on the “dismal findings” of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales’ (HIW) 2022-23…
Near 25% cut in apprenticeships could cost Welsh economy over £400m in the long term
A “devastating” near-25% cut in apprenticeship funding could cost the Welsh economy more than £400m over the long term, the Senedd heard. Luke Fletcher said the proposed cuts to apprenticeships are the biggest since devolution began, warning that it risks…
Concerns raised over new statutory registration and licensing for tourism accommodation in Wales
CONCERNS have been raised about plans to introduce statutory registration and licensing for all tourism accommodation in Wales. Dawn Bowden, the deputy minister responsible for tourism, announced details of the scheme during a statement in the Senedd on Tuesday January…
Ministers scrutinised on potential impact of stretched budgets on children and young people
By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter The Senedd’s children’s committee scrutinised ministers about the potential impact of stretched budgets on children and young people in Wales. Eluned Morgan told the committee she expects health boards to ring fence frontline…
Government must overcome ‘aversion’ to setting targets on tackling child poverty
By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter The Welsh Government must overcome an aversion to setting targets on tackling child poverty, the Senedd heard. Jenny Rathbone led a debate on the equality committee’s report which critiqued the Welsh Government’s draft…
Plaid Cymru leader says current planning system favours developers over communities
AN MS has called for an overhaul of Wales’ “falling” planning system to put people and communities at its heart. Mabon ap Gwynfor argued the current planning system has been created to favour developers, not communities. The Plaid Cymru politician,…