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…
Decade of improvements may still be required for troubled Betsi Health Board
A decade of improvements may still be required at the troubled Betsi Cadwaladr health board, which has been in and out of special measures since 2015, a committee heard. MSs on the Senedd health committee grilled newly appointed bosses at…
Senedd agrees to introduce new law on procurement in health services across Wales.
MSs unanimously signed off on plans to introduce a new law on procurement in health services across Wales. Eluned Morgan explained that the Health Service Procurement bill allows Wales to align itself with a new mechanism through which health services…
Concerns over Welsh Language target
By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter MSs have raised concerns about progress towards the targets of a million Welsh speakers and doubling daily use of the language by 2050. Jeremy Miles gave a statement to the Senedd to mark publication…
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…
Senedd prepares for devolution of powers over youth justice system, probation and policing
By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Welsh ministers are preparing for the devolution of powers over youth justice, probation and policing, the Senedd heard. Jane Hutt told MSs the Welsh Government is not just making the case for powers over…
Train services heading in ‘wrong direction’ claim opposition MSs
By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Train services in Wales are heading in the wrong direction under Transport for Wales, according to opposition MSs. Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru’s shadow transport minister, welcomed the announcement of an additional £125 million for…
Annual Report highlights policy achievements “in most difficult of times”
The Welsh Government has published its Annual Report, the second of the current Senedd term. The report sets out progress towards achieving the Welsh Government’s 10 well-being objectives, included in the current Programme for Government. It highlights a wide-range of…
We can’t all behave as we like and blame someone else the minute it all goes wrong, says First Minister
First Minister Mark Drakeford has said that he does not blame the NHS staff in Wales for waiting times but rather those who could alleviate problems. Alcohol, obesity and diabetes were the main areas he mentioned as contributory factors to…
Minister thanks NHS Wales staff ahead of NHS 75 celebrations
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, has praised the work and dedication of NHS Wales staff as they prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS. The Minister will be taking part in a range of…