Siambr · Dan Thomas
Written questions
320 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 4 of 7.
WQ99632 · Tabled · No answer published
Does the Welsh Government believe that the fact that one of the directors of the polling company used by the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales is a close relative of one of the Commission's co-chairs compromises the independence or integrity of the Commission?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
WQ99623 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made in finalising a national energy strategy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The national energy strategy is progressing as a priority of our 100-day plan.
It will set out how we will meet our energy needs by benefiting communities and minimise negative impacts. We will set out how community ownership will be achieved and the role of our expanded Welsh Public Energy Company.
WQ99622 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister set out a) the cost of student finance for those receiving benefits, b) how many people after completing the course come off benefits and c) how much of this goes to people on long term sickness benefits who fail to return to work?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Benefit claimants, their status prior to and upon completion of their course, are not identified within the student finance system.
Eligible full and part-time undergraduate applicants who meet certain criteria may qualify to have some or all their maintenance grant to be awarded as a Special Support Grant. Special Support Grant is disregarded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) when assessing or reassessing an individual’s benefit entitlement. DWP is responsible for benefits assessments, regulations, and claimant data.
To qualify to have some or all the maintenance grant to be awarded as a Special Support Grant, one or more of the following must apply:
WQ99621 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to moving ahead with the Deposit Return Scheme in line with the rest of United Kingdom and leave glass for a future discussions with the relevant administrations?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Glass is included in The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations which were made in March 2026. Those Regulations are therefore now in law and reflect the overwhelming outcome of the earlier public consultations and the scope required to deliver benefits against Wales’ already high recycling performance for all in scope materials.
To achieve the launch of the scheme in October 2027 in parallel with the schemes in the rest of the UK as called for by industry, necessitates the implementation of the scheme in line with the regulations passed by the Senedd.
WQ99620 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government drop its plans for a Deposit Return Scheme if it can't secure the inclusion of glass?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Glass is included in The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations which were made in March 2026. Those Regulations are therefore now in law and reflect the overwhelming outcome of the earlier public consultations and the scope required to deliver benefits against Wales’ already high recycling performance for all in scope materials.
To achieve the launch of the scheme in October 2027 in parallel with the schemes in the rest of the UK as called for by industry, necessitates the implementation of the scheme in line with the regulations passed by the Senedd.
WQ99619 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support the proposed Mynydd Maen wind farm?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The proposal is currently being considered through the statutory Developments of National Significance (DNS) planning process and remains subject to determination. Welsh Government cannot provide any comments on the specific project at this stage.
WQ99618 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support the proposed Candwr solar farm?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The proposal is currently progressing through the statutory planning process as a Development of National Significance (DNS) project and has not yet been determined. Welsh Government cannot provide any comments on the specific project at this stage.
WQ99576 · Tabled · Answered
Was the Welsh Government aware that one of the directors of the polling company used by the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales is a close relative of one of the co-chairs?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales was established by a previous government. All procurement to support the work of the Commission was undertaken in accordance with Welsh Government procurement procedures.
WQ99591 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve public toilet provision in Caerleon?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Local authorities are responsible for provision, funding and maintenance of public toilets and for any decisions made in relation to them. Local authorities have a discretionary power to provide public toilets, but there has never been a statutory duty compelling them to provide them. Local authorities take decisions on non-statutory services and how they allocate their budgets in the context of the breadth of their responsibilities and are accountable to councillors and residents for those decisions.
The Welsh Government acknowledges that access to safe, clean toilet facilities is important to the public but also recognises the difficulties local authorities have in maintaining public toilets. Although the Welsh Government does not intervene in local authority decisions about public toilets, we made provision within the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 to require each local authority in Wales to produce, consult on, publish and regularly review a local toilets strategy for its area. It is a statutory requirement for each local authority to assess the needs of their population for access to toilets as part of this process and to allow scrutiny by their elected members and residents.
The overall aim is to encourage local authorities to develop creative solutions to better meet the public’s need for access to suitable toilet facilities. We have provided statutory guidance encouraging them to move beyond a focus on standalone public toilets as these are increasingly difficult to protect from antisocial activity or afford to maintain in good order to current standards. Local authorities have therefore been asked to consider bringing existing toilet facilities in public and other buildings into wider use by the general public through collaboration with their owners and managers.
WQ99588 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government have any plans to bring forward legislation to allow prisoners the vote during this Senedd term?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government has no immediate plans to bring forward legislation on prisoner voting.
WQ99587 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on what the Welsh Government is doing to support a new bridge to replace the Old Bassaleg Bridge in Newport, and how are they supporting residents in Forge Mews impacted by this?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
I recognise the significant impact that the closure of the Old Bassaleg Bridge has had on residents of Forge Mews and the local community. Responsibility for the maintenance and replacement of this bridge rests with Newport City Council. The Welsh Government has supported the council’s work through transport funding and provided £1 million in 2025-26 to support the design and survey work needed to develop a replacement bridge scheme.
Under the Regional Transport Fund arrangements, local authorities and the Corporate Joint Committee are responsible for prioritising transport schemes within the regional programme. While the South East Wales Regional Transport Fund programme for 2026-27 did not include further funding for the Bassaleg Bridge scheme, Welsh Government officials continue to engage with Newport City Council on the project's development.
In relation to residents of Forge Mews, Newport City Council has been leading local engagement and has put in place a range of measures since the bridge closure to help maintain access and support residents while a permanent solution is progressed. The Welsh Government expects local and regional partners to continue working closely with affected residents as the scheme moves forward.
WQ99586 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to whether Transport for Wales should be integrated into Great British Rail when it becomes fully operational?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Transport for Wales is a public body accountable to Welsh Ministers and there are no plans to integrate it into Great British Railways.
The Welsh Government’s policy is to secure a clear pathway to the full devolution of rail powers and funding to Wales, ensuring that decisions about rail services and infrastructure are made in Wales, for the people of Wales. In that context, Transport for Wales will remain central to delivering Welsh Ministers’ priorities and accountability to the Senedd.
At the same time, the Welsh Government is committed to working constructively with the UK Government and Great British Railways to maximise the benefits of rail reform for passengers. A strong partnership between Transport for Wales and Great British Railways will support closer integration of track and train, more joined‑up planning, and improved reliability and service quality across Wales and the Borders.
Transport for Wales has already demonstrated, through the successful delivery of the Core Valley Lines transformation, that Wales can own, manage and deliver major rail infrastructure, providing a strong foundation for further devolution and improved services for passengers.
WQ99585 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to recognise historic county flags for Carmarthenshire, Denbighshire, Montgomeryshire, and Radnorshire?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The Welsh Government has no plans to introduce formal recognition of historic county flags for Carmarthenshire, Denbighshire, Montgomeryshire or Radnorshire.
The Welsh Government recognises that historic counties remain an important part of Wales's history and are valued by many communities across the country. Cadw plays an important role in promoting understanding of Wales’s local and regional heritage, including Wales’ historic counties.
WQ99577 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99434, will the Cabinet Minister publish the full list of groups, identities or characteristics covered by the + in the previous LGBTQ+ Action Plan, and confirm whether any ongoing or new schemes support, or will support, a different, reduced or expanded set of groups, identities or characteristics?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
No. The member may wish to consult the glossary of terms in the previous government’s LGBTQ+ plan. I will be deciding next steps in due course.
WQ99571 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99455, what plans does the Welsh Government have to protect and conserve the murals around the Old Green Roundabout which would be impacted by Transport for Wales's proposals for the roundabout?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Newport City Council has identified the Old Green murals as culturally significant assets and has commissioned specialist conservation work to inform decisions on their long-term future. This includes cleaning, condition surveys, high-resolution photography and 3D digital recording of the murals. The public was consulted in 2023 on options for the treatment of the murals as part of the wider Newport Central Travel Improvements proposals, with respondents invited to comment on their future.
A specialist mosaic restoration company has been engaged to develop conservation options, and protective measures are being implemented to prevent further deterioration while future options are considered. The Welsh Government has provided funding for this work through the Regional Transport Funding programme and will continue to work with Newport City Council as proposals for the Newport Central Travel Improvements scheme are developed.
WQ99520 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of whether maintaining a separate devolved NHS management structure has contributed to poorer patient outcomes, higher administrative costs or cross-border barriers?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
There is no evidence to suggest that a separate devolved NHS management structure is, in itself, responsible for poorer patient outcomes, higher administrative costs or cross-border barriers.
Welsh Government keeps the performance, governance and financial sustainability of NHS Wales under continuing review through its planning, performance, escalation and accountability arrangements.
Health boards in Wales are responsible for the planning and delivery of services for their local population, and for ensuring the provision of safe and timely access to good quality clinical services. The role of the Welsh Government is to set the strategic direction and to ensure robust accountability arrangements are in place that enable Welsh Government to scrutinise performance and hold NHS organisations to account for the delivery of services.
In line with our manifesto commitments and First 100 Day plan, we are undertaking a series of reforms to strengthen the governance architecture of the NHS to support better outcomes, leadership and accountability, including a review of the effectiveness of the existing escalation and intervention framework.
WQ99579 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99341, will the Cabinet Minister take steps to ensure this information is recorded and provide the Senedd with such a list?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government has no current plans to introduce or fund a system to record the nationality of all individuals who receive support, directly or indirectly, under or in connection with the Nation of Sanctuary approach.
The Nation of Sanctuary approach is not a single programme delivered to a defined beneficiary group. Rather, it is a cross-government and cross-sector approach intended to improve access to services, support integration and promote dignity and fairness across Wales.
WQ99578 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ98635, will the Cabinet Minister explain why the Welsh Government continues to engage with the Muslim Council of Wales, given the UK Government's long-standing policy of non-engagement with the Muslim Council of Britain, of which it is an affiliate, due to concerns about extremism?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Muslim Council of Britain and the Muslim Council of Wales are separate organisations. Engagement with external organisations is considered on a case-by-case basis in support of the Welsh Government's policy objectives.
WQ99575 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure bus timetables across Newport are accurate and up-to-date on and off line?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Transport for Wales, on behalf of the Welsh Government, is working closely with local authorities and bus operators, including Newport City Council and Newport Transport, to improve the quality, accessibility and timeliness of passenger information, on-line and at bus stops. In Newport, it is Newport Transport that update all roadside timetables at bus stops in line with the requirements of S139 of Transport Act 2000.
Through our bus grant programmes, operators are also expected to communicate such changes promptly. We also continue to support the provision of accurate real-time passenger information where it is available.
The Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 introduces duties on bus operators to provide relevant data to Welsh Ministers, alongside a duty on Welsh Ministers to publish information about the bus network. A consultation on the regulations setting out operators’ data requirements and obligations has recently begun.
WQ99569 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to producing an economic plan for reindustrialisation?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Improving productivity must be at the heart of our approach to economic growth and reindustrialisation. That is why I have set out an ambition to halve the productivity gap with the UK over 10 years.
Delivering that will require a stronger focus on what we invest in, andon how we measure outcomes and align policies on skills, innovation, infrastructure, planning and business support to drive productivity growth in every part of Wales.
I am also considering the role a national development agency could play in helping deliver that mission, as set out in my statement on 7 July. The next step is to examine how such an agency could provide stronger coordination of investment and economic development activity, improve delivery across government and partners, and ensure we have the institutional capacity needed to support reindustrialisation and achieve our productivity ambitions.
WQ99568 · Tabled · Answered
How is Welsh Government ensuring homeless British citizens are prioritised for social housing?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government does not collect or verify data on the nationality of people either in social housing or waiting for social housing in Wales. Housing registers and the allocation of social housing are managed by local authorities.
When allocating accommodation, local authorities must have regard to the Welsh Government’s Code of Guidance for Local Authorities: Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness along with their statutory obligations. Under Section 160A of the Housing Act 1996 (‘the 1996 Act’) anyone in Wales can qualify for an allocation of social housing, in any local authority to which they apply, provided they are not disqualified or ineligible, on the grounds of serious behaviour or immigration status.
Local authorities are required by Section 167 of the 1996 Act to have an allocation scheme that determines the authority’s priorities and procedures to be followed in allocating social housing. Due to the differing nature of allocation schemes across Wales, how long someone may wait for an allocation of social housing will vary across authorities.
Housing registers or waiting lists are a measure of who would like to and who have applied to live in social housing and not a measure of need. The list may include people who already live in secure housing (including secure social housing) but wish to move to other social housing.
WQ99567 · Tabled · Answered
How many British citizens have been on social housing waiting lists for longer than three months in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government does not collect or verify data on the nationality of people either in social housing or waiting for social housing in Wales. Housing registers and the allocation of social housing are managed by local authorities.
When allocating accommodation, local authorities must have regard to the Welsh Government’s Code of Guidance for Local Authorities: Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness along with their statutory obligations. Under Section 160A of the Housing Act 1996 (‘the 1996 Act’) anyone in Wales can qualify for an allocation of social housing, in any local authority to which they apply, provided they are not disqualified or ineligible, on the grounds of serious behaviour or immigration status.
Local authorities are required by Section 167 of the 1996 Act to have an allocation scheme that determines the authority’s priorities and procedures to be followed in allocating social housing. Due to the differing nature of allocation schemes across Wales, how long someone may wait for an allocation of social housing will vary across authorities.
Housing registers or waiting lists are a measure of who would like to and who have applied to live in social housing and not a measure of need. The list may include people who already live in secure housing (including secure social housing) but wish to move to other social housing.
WQ99566 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline how many non-British nationals are living in social housing both temporarily and permanently in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government does not collect or verify data on the nationality of people either in social housing or waiting for social housing in Wales. Housing registers and the allocation of social housing are managed by local authorities.
When allocating accommodation, local authorities must have regard to the Welsh Government’s Code of Guidance for Local Authorities: Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness along with their statutory obligations. Under Section 160A of the Housing Act 1996 (‘the 1996 Act’) anyone in Wales can qualify for an allocation of social housing, in any local authority to which they apply, provided they are not disqualified or ineligible, on the grounds of serious behaviour or immigration status.
Local authorities are required by Section 167 of the 1996 Act to have an allocation scheme that determines the authority’s priorities and procedures to be followed in allocating social housing. Due to the differing nature of allocation schemes across Wales, how long someone may wait for an allocation of social housing will vary across authorities.
Housing registers or waiting lists are a measure of who would like to and who have applied to live in social housing and not a measure of need. The list may include people who already live in secure housing (including secure social housing) but wish to move to other social housing.
WQ99552 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of whether current permitted development rights for mobile infrastructure remain fit for purpose, given changes in mobile technology and the increasing need to upgrade existing sites?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Permitted Development Rights for telecommunications infrastructure in Wales were amended in 2019 in consultation with the industry to address their calls to increase mast height and mast width and make changes to other regulations to better support deployment of 4G and 5G services.
The Welsh Government supports the deployment of fast modern telecoms infrastructure and has put in place planning policy and PDRs to help achieve this. However, it is important to consider impacts on amenity and the environment where this is relevant. Approximately 30% of land in Wales falls within a protected land designation
WQ99538 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister ensure that all Welsh Government ministers and officials do not refer to Northern Ireland as the north of Ireland in all government business?
Answered by First Minister
Parity of esteem is a key principle of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, requires respect for, and just and equal treatment of, the identities, traditions and aspirations of both Unionist and Nationalist communities in Northern Ireland. The Welsh Government will ensure the terminology it uses accords with the principle of parity of esteem.
WQ99556 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the source of the polling data that she cited in her oral statement on Welsh Language Priorities in the Senedd on 7 July 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The source of the data for the statement that 86% of people agree that the Welsh language is something to be proud of is the National Survey for Wales, conducted between April 2017 and March 2018. Questions about confidence and attitudes have not been included in the National Survey since then.
The source of the data for the statement that 82% of people aged between 18 and 24 believe that it is important for school children in Wales to learn Welsh is a YouGov survey conducted in January 2025 on attitudes towards promotion of the Welsh language.
WQ99553 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister scrap the Increasing Immigration Legal Advice Provision in Wales Scheme?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Due to the shortage of immigration legal advisors and legal aid providers in Wales, the Welsh Government has provided funding to develop and improve the resilience of the legal sector in Wales.
The Increasing immigration legal advice provision in Wales scheme [HTML] | GOV.WALES is a Welsh Government subsidy scheme, set up by the previous administration. The scheme supports the allocation of funds once they have been approved.
While the scheme runs from 2026-2029, funding of £170k has only been committed for this financial year, by the previous administration. Funding for future years is subject to ministerial agreement and will form part of the wider Welsh Government budget process.
Welsh Government guidance on subsidy control can be found here: Subsidy control | GOV.WALES
WQ99551 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to having discussions with the UK Government, Scottish Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive about making all older person's bus passes usable across the United Kingdom?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Whilst the Welsh Government remain open to the suggestion of cross border concessionary travel cards, our immediate priority is to maintain funding for our existing Welsh Concessionary Travel scheme, which is more generous than the qualifying criteria and times of use in England. Our scheme provides free local bus travel for eligible elderly and disabled people on local bus services across Wales, and passes are also valid on cross border bus services linking Wales and England.
Officials continue to discuss the idea of a cross-border scheme with their counterparts in other UK jurisdictions. However, there has been limited appetite to bring forward such a scheme to date due to funding pressures and differences between the various schemes. We will continue to keep the issue under review and should the opportunity arise positively consider such a move.
WQ99547 · Tabled · Answered
What action is Welsh Government taking to increase Wales's contribution to making the United Kingdom more self-sufficient in food production?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government is supporting food and drink businesses to innovate, improve productivity and grow, while supporting sustainable food production and resilient supply chains.
Wales already has key strengths in meat, dairy, bakery and drink production and makes up 25% of UK outputs. Welsh producers, processors and manufacturers supply retailer, wholesaler and hospitality and businesses across the United Kingdom.
Food security depends on resilient supply chains. We are working closely with the UK Government and the other devolved governments on issues affecting food production, food supply and wider food system resilience, including in the context of ongoing discussions about the future of the UK-EU relationship. Alongside this, we are developing a National Food Strategy for Wales to create a more sustainable, secure and resilient Welsh food system.
WQ99545 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government encourage schools to become Schools of Sanctuary?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Becoming a School of Sanctuary is a voluntary accreditation administered by City of Sanctuary UK. Decisions on pursuing a School of Sanctuary status are made by individual schools and not the Welsh Government.
WQ99537 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to reforming planning rules to support the upgrade of existing mobile sites, including changes to height and width limits where needed to support 5G deployment?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Planning Policy Wales is very supportive, in policy terms, towards the roll-out of new telecommunications infrastructure. Officials have asked the mobile industry, through the industry group Mobile UK, for evidence to underpin the case for further changes to planning legislation in respect of Permitted Development Rights and will be reviewing what is received prior to considering any reforms.
WQ99535 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with Newport City Council regarding its proposal to hold a referendum on the construction of the M4 relief road?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government maintains regular engagement with Newport City Council on a range of transport matters affecting the city and the wider region.
To date, I have not held any formal discussions with Newport City Council specifically regarding a proposal to hold a referendum on the construction of an M4 relief road. However, I am aware of public and political debate on the issue and of the continuing interest in measures to address congestion on the M4 around Newport.
I am due to meet the Leader and officers of Newport City Council on 5 August, when a range of transport issues affecting Newport may be discussed. Should the council wish to raise the question of a referendum at that meeting, I will listen to its views.
The Welsh Government's focus remains on a short, focused programme of work to explore measures that could make a sustainable difference to conditions on the M4 around Newport.
WQ99534 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government supporting steel-making in Newport?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Wales has two major steel producers in Wales, 7 Steel UK with two sites based in Cardiff and Tata Steel UK (TSUK) in Port Talbot. TSUK has four downstream steel processing sites across Wales, one of which is in Llanwern.
The Welsh Government maintains support to Wales-based steelmakers across areas of devolved responsibilities including skills and apprenticeships, Research, Development and Innovation, and Environmental Protection.
My officials meet regularly with TSUK and continue to support the company to explore any opportunities that could help create a sustainable and successful future for its operations in Wales, including the Llanwern site.
WQ99533 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to increase the number of councillors from one to two for the Llanwern ward, Newport?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Electoral arrangements are determined by a statutory review process as set out in the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013. The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has a duty to keep under review the electoral arrangements for principal councils. As part of the review process, the Welsh Government has no role in determining the number of councillors to represent a ward. Considerations around the number of councillors for Llanwern would fall within the statutory review programme, under which all principal council electoral arrangements must be reviewed at least once every 12 years.
WQ99512 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to promote Gower dialect of English in schools in Swansea?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Curriculum for Wales sets a clear expectation that learners develop an understanding of language, culture and identity, including the diversity within Wales. It does not prescribe the teaching of specific English dialects; however, schools are expected to design curricula that reflect their local context, which may include exploring local linguistic features such as the Gower dialect where appropriate.
WQ99511 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to promote Gower dialect of English?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The identities, heritage and dialects rooted in places across Wales help tell the story of who we are. They connect us to our local and national history, helping to enrich the distinctive character of communities and sustain a strong sense of belonging across Wales.
Although dialects are integral to Wales’s rich cultural heritage and historical identity, the Welsh Government does not directly promote any dialects across Wales, including the Gower dialect of English.
WQ99529 · Tabled · Answered
Did the Welsh Government check if either of the co-chairs were members of political parties or organisations when establishing the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales, and if so, of which parties or organisations were they members?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
Appointments to the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales were made by the previous Welsh Government.
WQ99528 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Welsh Government had with mobile network operators about the barriers they face when upgrading existing sites or deploying mobile infrastructure on rooftops?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Officials meet regularly with mobile network operators and their representative body Mobile UK to discuss a range of issues, including those around the barriers mobile network operators face when upgrading existing sites and deploying mobile infrastructure on rooftops. Planning policy on telecommunications is set out in Future Wales and Planning Policy Wales. The Welsh Government has previously supported the deployment of fast modern telecoms infrastructure and put in place planning policy and Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) to help achieve this. Officials have asked the mobile industry, through the industry group Mobile UK, for evidence to underpin the case for further changes to planning legislation in respect of Permitted Development Rights and are awaiting responses.
Telecommunications is not a devolved matter and responsibility for improving mobile phone connectivity in Wales rests with the UK Government. We aim to create the right conditions for telecoms industry investment in mobile phone connectivity with the levers at our disposal and continue to make the case for ongoing investment in digital infrastructure throughout Wales. This includes encouraging private sector operators to expand their own networks.
WQ99527 · Tabled · Answered
Will the new foundational literacy and numeracy plan look at best practice in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
In developing the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan, we are drawing on a range of effective practice, including approaches being taken elsewhere in the UK and internationally. Officials continue to engage with counterparts in other governments to share learning and ensure that the plan supports improved literacy and numeracy outcomes for all learners in Wales.
WQ99507 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Commission have to celebrate and promote Monmouthshire Day on 25 September, including flying its historic county flag outside the Senedd?
Answered by Senedd Commission
The Commission has no specific plans to mark Monmouthshire Day. However, through its programme of public engagement and outreach activities, the Senedd regularly seeks opportunities to connect with communities throughout Wales and to promote awareness of the work of the Senedd.
As part of this commitment, the Commission will be attending the Abergavenny Food Festival in September. This visit builds on the success of the Senedd's events and outreach programme, through which we aim to engage with communities in all Senedd constituencies across Wales as part of our programme of work. Members are also very welcome to engage with officials to examine options for Member sponsored activity to promote their communities.
In relation to the flying of flags, there is no intention to deviate from the Senedd flag-flying protocol which sets out the occasions on which flags are flown on the Senedd estate.
The Commission remains committed to celebrating and showcasing the diversity of Wales's communities through its engagement activities and outreach work across the country.
WQ99506 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to celebrate and promote Monmouthshire Day?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
While I have not given specific consideration to promoting individual historic county days, I recognise the cultural and historical significance of places across Wales and their important role in helping us to understand our shared past and in shaping the distinct character of communities today.
WQ99505 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99118, what is the Cabinet Minister doing to promote the historic sites and significance of Newport in its tourism offer?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Historic sites in Newport are featured in Visit Wales content on websites and social media, and Visit Wales’ Travel Trade activity highlights the history and heritage of Newport to UK and international tour operators.
Alongside this, Cadw works with partners to conserve and promote Caerleon's internationally important Roman remains, helping visitors to explore Newport's rich heritage and strengthening the city's tourism offer.
WQ99504 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to promote Wales's historic county flags?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
While the Welsh Government has no specific programme to promote historic county flags, Cadw plays an important role in promoting understanding of Wales’s local and regional heritage, including Wales’ historic counties.
WQ99503 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support Gwynedd Council's policy on phasing out English medium schools, and does the Government encourage other local authorities to follow suit?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Local authorities are responsible for planning school places. The School Organisation Code (March 2026) imposes requirements on those who submit proposals to reorganise schools and sets out general principles that should be considered.
Cyngor Gwynedd’s policy is a matter for the local authority having considered its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and consulted with the school and wider community.
Our Cymraeg 2050 strategy clearly emphasises the important role education plays in helping us meet our ambitions of a million Welsh speakers. The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 requires each local authority to prepare a WESP setting out its proposals on how it will carry out its education functions to improve the planning of the provision of education through the medium of Welsh in its area; improve the standards of Welsh-medium education; and of the teaching of Welsh in its area. All 22 plans have been in place since September 2022, and local authorities have been proactive in their implementation.
WQ99502 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with Cadw about improving public access to Newport Castle?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Cadw officials continue to work with Newport City Council and Transport for Wales on proposals to improve public access to Newport Castle. Cadw is working with partners to consider how the castle can be better integrated into wider regeneration plans, with the aim of enhancing access and restoring the monument as an important public amenity and focal point on Newport’s waterfront.
WQ99464 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to the delays, uncertainty and digital barriers affecting patients who require cross-border NHS care, in light of recent evidence given to the Welsh Affairs Committee by the Chief Executive of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
This Government is clear that Welsh patients requiring treatment in England should not face disproportionate barriers in accessing services. Established cross-border arrangements are in place between NHS organisations in Wales and their counterparts in England to support patients who access services across the border.
As soon as the Welsh Affairs Committee's Inquiry into Cross-Border Healthcare has concluded, I will consider its recommendations.
WQ99465 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government continue to encourage Welsh local authorities to become places or councils of sanctuary as part of Wales’s Nation of Sanctuary approach?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I refer you to the answer the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning gave to you (WQ99117) on 24 June 2026 which sets out the Welsh Government’s position. Decisions by local government on whether to work with City of Sanctuary UK, including seeking recognition as a place or council of sanctuary, are a matter for individual local authorities. The Welsh Government welcomes initiatives that help build fairer, safer and more cohesive communities.
WQ99463 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to creating a similar marathon a month challenge for NHS Wales as established by NHS England?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
Whilst the announcement made last week applies to England only, my officials and Public Health Wales are engaging in early discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to explore what opportunities there might be for Wales. In the meantime, we are focusing on our first-100 day commitments to improve population health and embed prevention across government.
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of supporting people to be more physically active and the associated health benefits, in line with the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines. With the refreshed guidelines being launched today.
Our first 100-day plan and manifesto make our intentions and our level of ambition clear on increasing levels of physical activity to promote good mental and physical wellbeing across the population.
This includes establishing a dedicated workstream within government to identify opportunities for increased levels of engagement in sport and physical activity, and consult on how to strengthen partnership working between health services and sports organisations. It also includes a daily mile initiative in Welsh schools and a new national school swimming and water safety programme. An allocation of £2m has been provided in the first supplementary Budget for 2026-27 to support the roll-out of the new school swimming and water safety programme, which will ensure children in years 4 and 5 in every primary school in Wales receive 20 lessons of swimming and water safety. Further details on implementation will be announced shortly.
Further measures to support physical fitness will be developed as part of our manifesto.
WQ99462 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to support the conservation of Ruperra Castle?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Cadw is supporting the conservation of Ruperra Castle by working with the owner to develop plans for its future, including encouraging an application for grant support for conservation works.
Cadw is also engaging with stakeholders, including the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust, as we seek to secure a sustainable long-term future for this important scheduled monument.
WQ99461 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to ensure all food produce for public services are sourced from British and Welsh producers?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Welsh Government is committed to strengthening opportunities for Welsh food producers and increasing the use of locally sourced food across the public sector through procurement policy, guidance and support, while ensuring compliance with procurement legislation.
Responsibility for procuring food for schools, hospitals and other public services is generally devolved to individual contracting authorities, including local authorities and NHS bodies, which make purchasing decisions in accordance with procurement legislation and their local requirements.
Welsh Government supports these organisations through procurement policy, guidance and the Community Food Strategy to increase opportunities for Welsh producers, strengthen local supply chains and retain more economic value within Wales. For example, Caerphilly Council applied Welsh Government’s food procurement guidance to embed Foundational Economy principles in their south Wales food framework which resulted in Castell Howell winning 100 out of 150 lots.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.