Siambr · Catherine Cullen
Written questions
7 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ100646 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline why business grants have been put on hold for local companies?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Decisions on business grant funding are being considered in the context of budgetary pressures facing the Welsh Government and a wider review of expenditure across a range of programmes. As part of this process, we are working at pace to review existing commitments and ensuring that available resources are targeted and available where they can deliver the greatest impact. This has resulted in some grant schemes being paused while that detailed review is undertaken.
We recognise the importance of these programmes to local businesses and will provide further updates once the review has concluded and future funding arrangements have been determined.
WQ99918 · Tabled · Answered
When will the baby-loss certificate scheme be launched and will they be backdated?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care issued a Ministerial Direction to the NHS Business Services Authority to explore options for a bilingual baby loss certificate scheme for Wales. The discovery phase has been completed, including testing a bilingual digital journey with users in Wales. Officials are now considering feasibility options, costs and timescales.
The main barrier to implementation is the fact that, unlike in Scotland, Wales does not possess its own national records. As such, the Welsh Government cannot complete verification of such certificates and must rely on external partners to do so. The introduction of such a scheme – which remains the Welsh Government’s ambition – must therefore ensure that the relevant information is accessed securely and accurately. Officials have held discussions with Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) to explore potential options to this end.
These challenges notwithstanding, we are committed to the introduction of a voluntary scheme to enable people who have experienced a pre-24-week pregnancy loss to apply for a certificate, regardless of when the loss occurred, subject to final eligibility and verification arrangements. We will also ensure that the service, communications and certificates are available bilingually.
WQ99917 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister conduct a review as to whether Blaenau Gwent council strictly adhered to statutory guidelines of the school organisation code during the consultation window, for the closure of Roseheyworth school in Abertillery?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government does not routinely review statutory school organisation proposals undertaken by local authorities. However, section 54 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 provides the statutory mechanism by which certain bodies may refer a proposal approved or rejected by a local authority to the Welsh Ministers for determination within 28 days of the local authority’s decision.
WQ98924 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether an impact assessment has been undertaken on roads serving Tillery Primary School in the event of the closure of Roseheyworth Primary School?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The responsibility for the planning of school places rests with local authorities. Local authorities must ensure there are sufficient schools providing primary and secondary education for their area. If a local authority concludes that there is a need to establish a new school, close an existing school or make a regulated alteration to a school, there are statutory procedures which must be followed, as set out in the School Organisation Code.
The Code requires proposers to consider a range of factors when making school organisation proposals. These include educational standards, financial sustainability, demand for places and surplus capacity, and accessibility and community impact.
As part of the proposal to close Roseheyworth Primary School, Blaenau Gwent has published a community impact assessment and integrated impact assessment: Proposal to reduce the capacity at Abertillery Learning Community Primary Phase | Blaenau Gwent CBC.
WQ98923 · Tabled · Answered
What is the current status of the removal of the Bedwas coal tips?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I am not aware of any formal application for the removal of Bedwas coal tip. However, Welsh Government continues to support the Council with ensuring Bedwas tip remains safe through the national programme of tip inspections, and the financial support we provide through the coal tip safety grant scheme.
WQ98922 · Tabled · Answered
How will the new Welsh development agency avoid the transparency issues of the original agency?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I will be updating the Senedd on next steps with regards to a new national development agency in the coming weeks.
WQ98921 · Tabled · Answered
When will the transition from the current government structures to the new Welsh development agency begin?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I will be updating the Senedd on next steps with regards to a new national development agency in the coming weeks.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.