‘Dysfunctional’ community councils ‘signing blank cheques’
Financial management at some town and community councils is dysfunctional, with members signing blank cheques and accounts five years overdue, auditors warned. The Senedd’s local government committee launched an inquiry on the governance and accountability of town and community…
Bullying in Welsh schools reaches record levels
Rates of bullying in Welsh schools have reached record levels, with more than one in three children and young people reporting being bullied, the Senedd heard. Gareth Davies raised concerns about a 6% increase in bullying between 2021 and…
Rate of domestic violence in Wales ‘a national emergency’
Domestic violence against women and girls is the scourge of Wales and a national emergency, Senedd Members warned. Mabon ap Gwynfor said Welsh police reported more than 45,000 cases of domestic abuse in 2022/23 and almost 10,000 sexual offences…
Disabled children ‘denied rights to education’
Disabled children and young people in Wales are being fundamentally let down and denied their right to education, Senedd members warned. Buffy Williams, who chairs the children’s committee, led a debate after an inquiry found many disabled children do…
Calls raised for overhaul of ‘unsustainable’ GP funding model
Senedd members added their voices to a chorus of calls for fair funding for GPs after more than 21,000 people across Wales signed a petition. Carolyn Thomas led a debate on the petition submitted by the British Medical Association (BMA) as…
Welsh Conservatives Leader reprimanded for ‘false’ social media posts
The leader of the Conservative opposition was given a slap on the wrists after a committee found his “false” social media posts brought the Senedd into disrepute. Andrew RT Davies was formally reprimanded by fellow Senedd members following an…
Libraries and Leisure Centres across Wales close to buckling under financial constraints
Council chiefs warned of “no fat left to cut” with leisure centres and libraries across Wales facing the threat of closure due to “unprecedented” financial constraints. The Senedd culture committee took evidence from councils on October 24 as part…
Welsh Parliament votes against assisted dying
The Welsh Parliament voted against the principle of assisted dying in a historic vote. Senedd members voted 26-19, with nine abstaining, against a non-binding motion calling on the Welsh Government to back the principle of assisted dying. The Senedd rejected…
Member of Senedd investigated for leaving negative review on eBay
A Senedd member was investigated after leaving a negative review about a pair of crystal sherry glasses bought on eBay for £9.99. Douglas Bain, who is the Senedd’s standards commissioner, launched a formal investigation after the seller made a…
Welsh Gov spends £1.7m on special advisers
The Welsh Government revealed a £1.7m pay bill for special advisers in the year to April, including £479,000 in severance payments. Wales’ first minister Eluned Morgan provided details of the political appointments in a written statement to the Senedd on October…