Questions to Finance Minister over budget
MSs questioned the finance minister about millions of pounds worth of cuts to the Welsh Government’s 2023/24 budget. Rebecca Evans appeared before the finance committee to give evidence after announcing wide-ranging in-year cuts across most departments to prop up the…
Grave concerns raised over ‘frightening’ financial situation facing schools across Wales
GOVERNORS raised grave concerns about the “frightening” financial situation facing schools across Wales, warning that some are operating “hand to mouth”. The Senedd’s petitions committee took evidence on a 7,000-name petition – submitted by the chairs of governors’ associations –…
Tough actions needed to prevent water companies releasing sewage into Welsh waterways, Senedd hears
TOUGH and urgent action is needed to prevent water companies from releasing sewage into Wales’ waterways, the Senedd heard. Janet Finch-Saunders told the chamber there were 83,000 spills in 2022, accounting for around 25% of all discharges in England and…
Agricultural support scheme described as ‘shambles’
The launch of an interim agricultural support scheme has been described as a shambles which could see some farmers’ payments fall by as much as 90%. Conservative, Plaid Cymru and Lib Dem politicians all added their voices to a chorus…
Relief for homeowners struggling with costly mortgages
HOMEOWNERS struggling with soaring mortgage bills could receive loans to help them keep their homes, the Welsh Government has announced. Under the £40m Help to Stay scheme, people at risk of losing their home can apply for a loan to…
First Minister calls on UK Government to help make disused high-risk coal tips in Wales safe
THE first minister has called on the UK Government to cough up cash to help make Wales’ high-risk disused coal tips safe. Hefin David asked Mark Drakeford for an update on measures to safely restore coal tips during first minister’s…
Plans to make Wales ‘anti-racist’ by 2030 at risk as due to financial and diversity constraints
PLANS to make Wales an anti-racist country by 2030 are being put at risk by financial constraints and a lack of representation in leadership positions, MSs have heard. The Senedd’s equality committee began taking evidence as part of an inquiry…
Law to protect renters could have devastating impact on survivors of domestic abuse
A law to protect renters could be having a devastating impact on survivors of domestic abuse who are seeking refuge, the Senedd heard. Mark Isherwood raised Welsh Women’s Aid concerns about the impact of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016…
Investment zones could be set up to drive economic growth in Wales
Two investment zones could be set up in Wales to drive economic growth and job creation, the economy minister told the Senedd. Vaughan Gething said the Welsh Government wants to see investment zones in the south east and north east…
MSs set aside differences to pay tribute to armed forces
MSs from across the political divide set aside their differences to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our armed forces. Hannah Blythyn, for the Welsh Government, told the Senedd: “Sadly, today’s debate takes place in the midst of…