Semiconductor sector at risk with cuts to apprenticeships in Wales looming
CUTS to the apprenticeship budget risk stifling the continued success of the semiconductor sector in south-east Wales, an opposition MS warned. Luke Fletcher, Plaid Cymru’s shadow minister, raised concerns skills shortages could be exacerbated by cuts to apprenticeships in the…
Five-figure payrise for outgoing chief fire officer deemed an insult to victims of sexual harassment under his watch
A five-figure pay rise for an outgoing chief fire officer has been described as an insult to victims of a culture of sexual harassment and abuse uncovered under his watch. MSs criticised the decision to award Huw Jakeway a £12,000…
MSs criticise UK Government after recalling representative from COP28 for Rwanda Bill
MSs criticised the “farcical and chaotic’ UK Government after its representative returned home from COP28, leaving Wales with no voice at the crunch climate change talks. Julie James told the Senedd that Graham Stuart was ordered by No 10 to…
Cuts Cuts Cuts in Wales as the Welsh Government grapples with the toughest budget decisions since the dawn of devolution
By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Public services in Wales face swingeing cuts as the Welsh Government grapples with the toughest budget decisions since the dawn of devolution. Welsh ministers have announced additional funding for the NHS, schools and social…
Plans to impose a phased ban of greyhound racing under consideration by Welsh Government
A PHASED ban of the “horrific” sport of greyhound racing is being considered as part of newly published plans to improve animal welfare in Wales. The Welsh Government has published a consultation on improving animal welfare amid concerns that some…
Half of Welsh households can’t afford to heat homes
By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Almost half of households in Wales cannot afford to heat their homes, with those on the lowest incomes paying a “poverty premium” for energy, the Senedd heard. Sioned Williams, for Plaid Cymru, told the…
Welsh Gov plans to ensure patients are “waiting well” met with criticism
PLANS to ensure patients are “waiting well” have been described as an admission that long NHS backlogs are here to stay. Eluned Morgan told the Senedd that the Welsh Government’s focus cannot solely be on increasing the capacity of health…
New law will protect homeowners in “fleecehold” scandal
THE Welsh Government will support a new law to give much-needed rights and protections to homeowners caught up in the “fleecehold” scandal. Hefin David, a Labour backbencher, questioned the first minister about his position on the UK Government’s Leasehold and…
Anti-racist Wales action plan aims to reduce systemic and institutional racism in Wales by 2030
MSs took evidence from the social justice minister about plans to make Wales an anti-racist country by 2030. Jane Hutt told the equality committee that inequality during the pandemic led to a clearer commitment on tackling systemic, institutional racism in…
Settlement following ‘bullying row’ at Museum Wales was ‘least worst outcome’ according to senior officials
A SETTLEMENT following a bullying row at Museum Wales which cost the public purse more than £620,000 was reasonable and the “least-worst outcome”, according to senior officials. Wales’ public accounts committee grilled civil servants about the feud between Roger Lewis…