Siambr · Dan Thomas
Written questions
320 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 5 of 7.
WQ99460 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to making injectable weight-loss medicines more widely available on the NHS?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
The current guidance and eligibility are set out in the Welsh Health Circular WHC/2025/043. This gives direction to Health Boards regarding the prescription of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and the eligibility criteria that has been expanded to cover a larger cohort of people, in line with guidance from the Society for Endocrinology.
The NHS in England currently prescribes weight loss medications to patients living with obesity who meet specific criteria. Detailed information about these medications can be found in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines [NG246].
Given the potentially very large eligible cohort and the variation between providers in the availability of the wrap-around infrastructure required to deliver its recommendations, NICE has extended the implementation period for tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity in adults, providing up to 12 years to implement the recommendations in full. NICE has also indicated that it will evaluate any relevant evidence generated during the initial guidance implementation period of up to 3 years and review the effectiveness of the initial approach adopted in England. NICE may then set a revised timeline for the second phase of the guidance implementation period. Welsh Ministers are not bound by the timelines issued by NICE but normally accept them, however in this case, due to the potentially large impact on the NHS, we are adopting a different approach as outlined in the WHC. We will consider extending eligibility to further cohorts in due course, and any decisions will be communicated to Members in the appropriate manner.
WQ99458 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to build a railway station in Nelson, Caerphilly?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
There are no current plans to build a new railway station in Nelson. The Welsh Government is committed to improving connectivity and access to public transport across Wales, particularly for communities with limited transport options. Re-opening railway lines for passenger services and building new stations would require significant funding, which is why we need a fair funding settlement for rail from the UK Government.
WQ99457 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to ensure Llancaiach Fawr reopens?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Llancaiach Fawr is owned and managed by Caerphilly County Borough Council, and decisions regarding its future operation are therefore matters for the local authority.
We recognise the significance of Llancaiach Fawr to the historic environment and local communities, and we will continue to take an interest in developments while respecting the council's responsibility for decisions on the site's future.
WQ99456 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to more flexible opening hours for public swimming pools during heatwaves?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
Public swimming pools are a safe option for cooling off during heatwaves, opening times are a matter for individual Local Authorities to determine.
One of the commitments in our 100 day plan is to ‘begin the rollout of preventative health programmes such as our new national School Swimming and Water Safety programme in Welsh schools'. The supplementary budget includes £2million funding towards the school swimming rollout.
We are also raising awareness of water safety during hot weather when it may be tempting to cool off in lakes or rivers, but cold-water shock is a real danger when jumping in. Entering the water slowly reduces the risk of cold-water shock and the advice is never to swim in a reservoir. Remembering #FloatToLive advice can be lifesaving.
WQ99455 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support TfW's plans for the Old Green Roundabout in Newport?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government supports the plans for the Old Green Roundabout in Newport. Newport City Council has engaged Transport for Wales throughout the development and design of the scheme, which aims to transform Newport city centre and improve sustainable transport connectivity.
The scheme has been prioritised by Newport City Council with support from other local authorities across the south-east of Wales and the Cardiff Capital Region to deliver the ambitions of the Regional Transport Plan. The Welsh Government has provided £2.26 million in 2026-27 to support further development of the scheme.
WQ99454 · Tabled · Answered
What support is the Welsh Government's providing to help conserve the Newport Medieval Ship?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The Welsh Government recognises the significance of the Newport Medieval Ship and the important contribution it can make to our understanding of Wales’s maritime history.
Conservation of the ship timbers was initially supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and has since been taken forward through mainstream funding from Newport City Council, with valuable support from the Friends of Newport Ship.
WQ99452 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact that differences between planning rules in Wales and England have on mobile network quality and investment in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
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.
Planning policy for Wales 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.
WQ99451 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister ensure the counts for local elections next year are held in the evening of polling day after polls close?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
No. The counting of votes must begin as soon as practicable after the close of polls. To determine when the counts will take place, Returning Officers must follow Electoral Commission guidance and any guidance or directions given by the Electoral Management Board for Wales. Returning Officers and the Electoral Management board are better positioned than national government to make decisions around the administration of elections.
WQ99449 · Tabled · Answered
When will the Welsh Government bring forward legislation to create a statutory lobby register for the Senedd?
Answered by First Minister
While the Government supports the creation of a lobby register, lobbying is a matter for the Senedd. The Welsh Government will respond to any recommendations from the relevant committee when received.
WQ99434 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99270, is the Cabinet Minister planning to establish another LGBTQ+ Action Plan during this Senedd?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
We remain committed to LGBTQ+ equality in Wales and are considering future arrangements to build on the previous LGBTQ+ Action Plan.
WQ99417 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the environmental report recommendations regarding the Cwrt Sirhowy housing development in Cwmgelli, and what action has been taken following the flooding to ensure there will be no repeat incidents?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
NRW are responsible for enforcing the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. They (NRW) received several reports of silt pollution impacting the Cwmgelli Brook from November-December 2025 - the discharges were also linked to the flooding of a nearby property.
Following site investigations, the source of these silt discharges was identified as a nearby housing development. NRW undertook enforcement action to ensure no further impact to the watercourse occurred as a result of the silt pollution.
Caerphilly County Borough Council are the Risk Management Authority responsible for managing the risk of flooding at this location. They are in discussions with the housing developer and residents in order to resolve the issue.
WQ99416 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline what plans he has to improve east-west travel links for north and south Wales into England?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of strong east-west transport links for communities and businesses in both the north and south of Wales, including connections into England. These links support access to work, education, services, trade and wider economic opportunities.
This Government will take a practical and Wales-first approach. We will work constructively with partners across the border where doing so delivers clear benefits for the people of Wales, focusing on opportunities that improve everyday journeys, support good jobs, connect communities and deliver long-term value for Wales.
In the north of Wales, this includes progressing Network North Wales to provide a more integrated, higher-frequency public transport network, improving links within the region and with places such as Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and Crewe. In the south of Wales, we will continue to support more resilient and sustainable travel along the M4 corridor, alongside the rail improvements needed to give people real alternatives. That includes working with partners to strengthen Cardiff-Newport-Bristol connections, supporting the delivery of the Burns recommendations for new stations and better services, and making the case for wider south-east of Wales rail investment through the Wales Rail Board and the emerging pipeline of Welsh rail priorities.
WQ99415 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Commission explain why female sanitary products are provided in male toilets across the Senedd estate?
Answered by Senedd Commission
The Commission provides sanitary products across the estate as part of a wider commitment to wellbeing, dignity, and accessibility. When the initiative was introduced, a number of factors were taken into consideration, including ensuring general access to the products to help address ‘period poverty’ and enabling products to be collected by anyone for colleagues or visitors who require them unexpectedly.
The Commission is also aware that such sanitary provisions can also be of assistance to men dealing with certain health conditions, including certain types of cancer and/or incontinence. This is why sanitary disposal facilities are provided in male toilets, allowing privacy for anyone who needs to dispose of personal hygiene or continence products.
To ensure consistency and ease of access and following consideration of a proposal from the Commission's Trades Union Side (TUS), the decision was, therefore, taken to adopt a consistent approach to the provision of sanitary products in all toilet facilities across the estate.
The decision also took into account that the annual cost of providing sanitary products in all facilities would be less than the previous annual rental costs incurred by the Commission for the provision of sanitary products’ vending machines in female toilets only.
In terms of facilities, the Senedd estate is – and has always been – fully compliant with the recent Supreme Court ruling and the new guidance issued by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
WQ99398 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister begun commissioning a feasibility study for establishing a new Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) in Powys?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
My officials have engaged with the Powys Executive Committee on the feasibility of a rapid diagnostic centre in Powys. I will provide further updates once this work has been completed.
WQ99406 · Tabled · Answered
What is the projected cost of the Welsh Government's proposed national school of government?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
I refer the Member to my answer to WQ99138. Any costs associated with the proposed school of government will be reflected in the Budget.
WQ99404 · Tabled · Answered
What did the First Minister mean when he referred to metaphorical ownership of energy during FMQs on 30 June 2026?
Answered by First Minister
In referring to “metaphorical ownership of energy” during FMQs on 30 June 2026, I used the term to convey the principle that the people of Wales should feel that our energy resources, wherever they are generated, work in their interests and deliver clear and tangible benefits to Welsh communities.
WQ99403 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with Monmouthshire County Council about allowing residents of the Bishton & Langstone ward in Newport to use the Five Lanes recycling centre?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Collections Blueprint 2025 for Wales (Collections Blueprint 2025) encourages Local Authorities to share household reuse and recycling facilities to provide choice and accessibility to as many citizens as possible. The operational management of the reuse and recycling service are a matter for Local Authorities.
WQ99402 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99244, will the Cabinet Minister publish the minutes of the meetings held with Laura McAllister and Rowan Williams on 15 and 18 June 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
This question is a request for recorded information and will be passed for FOI response.
WQ99397 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline the long-term plans for the M4 junctions J25A, 26 and 27, including whether there are plans to close them permanently?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
On 9 June, I announced a short, focused programme of work to explore measures that could make a meaningful difference to conditions on the M4 around Newport, including the potential closure of certain junctions. This work will build on the substantial body of evidence already developed by previous governments on this issue.
Opposition spokespersons have been invited to a technical briefing led by officials on the emerging outcomes of this work and will be meeting Jason O’Connell on 22 September. I will then report back to Members in the autumn term, setting out the outcome of this work and the Government’s proposed way forward.
WQ99396 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to ensure that the Welsh Government's deposit return scheme aligns with other schemes across the United Kingdom, so that it does not lead to increased costs for Welsh consumers?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government is committed to delivering a Deposit Return Scheme which works for Wales, while being interoperable with schemes being developed in the other UK nations.
To deliver the scheme by October 2027, as called for by industry, requires delivery of the scheme scope as defined by the regulations passed by the Senedd. In doing so, the Welsh Government is committed to working with the industry to avoid unnecessary costs, particularly for SMEs, through targeted exemptions set out in the regulations, helping stakeholders to realise the benefits of an effective deposit return scheme.
WQ99392 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the Cwrt Sirhowy housing development in Cwmgelli following the Welsh Government’s decision to overrule Caerphilly County Borough Council's rejection of the proposals?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Outline planning permission for construction of residential dwellings and associated infrastructure was granted on appeal by an independent Planning Inspector in April 2016. Approval of reserved matters, discharge of conditions and ongoing enforcement of conditions are matters for the planning authority, Caerphilly County Borough Council.
WQ99385 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to reopening the accident and emergency department at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The health board is responsible for planning and delivering services based on an assessment of population need. It has no plans to reopen the Royal Gwent major emergency department which continues to open 24/7 and provide minor injuries unit services and receive acute medical patients.
WQ99384 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to introducing mandatory microchipping of cats?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
In our manifesto we made a commitment to promote responsible pet ownership and breeding. There are clear benefits to microchipping, and I encourage all cat owners to ensure their cats are microchipped.
Cats Protection's Cats and Their Stats Wales 2025 report shows that 74% of cats in Wales are microchipped, with 96% of records kept up to date. These figures have remained stable and are comparable to those in England, where microchipping became mandatory in 2024. The evidence suggests that Wales is already achieving high levels of microchipping and record accuracy through voluntary uptake, with strong awareness among owners of the benefits of microchipping.
We will develop a renewed, science-led animal welfare plan for Wales. As part of this work, we will keep the need for reforms to microchipping arrangements under review, while prioritising measures that deliver the greatest benefits for animal welfare.
WQ99379 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government learning from the Independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes In England, to ensure white working class children have better educational outcomes in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
We are committed to tackling the barriers to attainment faced by learners experiencing poverty, to develop an equitable and inclusive education system for all learners, regardless of their background.
While we note developments in England, including the Independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes and will study the findings, our approach in Wales is to address the underlying drivers of inequity in education, particularly socio-economic disadvantage, which evidence shows cuts across different groups of learners, including white working-class children.
WQ99372 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99115, what plans does the Cabinet Minister have to meet with NHS England about better collaboration with their NHS app?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I am supportive of ongoing engagement with NHS England to identify opportunities for closer collaboration on digital health services, including around interoperability, information sharing and digital service design. This collaboration will continue as we develop the NHS Wales App as the digital front door to NHS Wales services, while maintaining a distinct service tailored to Welsh patient needs.
WQ99370 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide a full breakdown of the total cost of his recent trip to Northern Ireland?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
The Welsh Government routinely publishes information on Ministerial overseas travel, including costs. The Welsh Government does not publish details of domestic Ministerial travel, as has been the case under successive administrations.
WQ99369 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister set out what he discussed with the First Minister of Northern Ireland during his recent visit, if the meeting was minuted, and if so, will they be made publicly available?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
I attended a joint meeting with the NI Executive First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA while in Belfast for the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on 24 June 2026. The Welsh Government has issued a press notice and a joint communique outlining the topics raised during engagement has been published here. I will shortly write to the Constitution, Justice and External Affairs Committee, and other relevant Senedd committees, to provide a further update on the discussions.
WQ99368 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister provide a full breakdown of the total cost of his recent trip to the Republic of Ireland?
Answered by First Minister
Details of Ministerial visits overseas are published in line with the Ministerial code, and this information will be published in due course.
WQ99367 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99113, did the Cabinet Minister secure agreement from all health boards to increase spending on primary care by 0.5 per cent as per the Welsh Government's 100 day plan?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
On 18 June, the Welsh Government convened a Primary Care Summit, where health boards agreed with the proposal to increase the proportion of NHS funding going into primary care by 0.5% each year from 2027/28 onwards.
WQ99366 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government publish the full list of identities, groups or characteristics included within the + in LGBTQ+ for the purposes of its LGBTQ+ Action Plan and associated public funding?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
As previously stated in WQ99270(e), the previous government’s LGBTQ+ Action Plan concluded at the end of the sixth Senedd term. The Welsh Government is committed to protecting the rights of all people in Wales and ensuring everyone can live free from prejudice, intolerance, and hate.
WQ99359 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Commission considered designing a system where members of the public can view individual Senedd Member voting records?
Answered by Senedd Commission
A record of all votes held during Senedd proceedings is published in line with the requirements set out in Standing Orders and legislation. A detailed record of all votes taken in both plenary and committee proceedings, including details of how each Member has voted, is published as part of the Record of Proceedings. In addition, a Votes Summary is published on the public website for each plenary meeting, usually within 30 minutes of the conclusion of each meeting. This details how each Member voted and their political affiliation, as well as any proxy votes in operation.
New plenary management software was developed in advance of the Seventh Senedd. This included full integration of the plenary voting application from the start of the Seventh Senedd in May 2026.
Development of a searchable Member voting record was identified as a potential area for future development as part of that project. Subject to availability of resources, this will be considered for inclusion in future development phases of the plenary management software and/or the Record of Proceedings.
WQ99341 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister list all the nationalities represented among people who have received support, either directly or indirectly, under, or in connection with, the Nation of Sanctuary policy?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government does not hold recorded information providing a comprehensive breakdown by nationality of all people who have received support, either directly or indirectly, under or in connection with the Nation of Sanctuary approach.
WQ99340 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to selling shares in Cardiff Airport to the general public?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Selling shares in Cardiff Airport to the general public has not been a consideration to-date. I remain open to exploring a broad range of options for the longer term, so long as those options support the Welsh Government’s ambition to improve economic productivity and our global connectivity.
WQ99333 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to making representations to the UK Treasury about designating the port of Newport a freeport?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Freeports in Wales were selected through a joint Welsh Government and UK Government competitive process, which resulted in the designation of the Celtic Freeport and Anglesey Freeport. Welsh Government's priority is to work with partners to maximise the benefits of those Freeports and realise the investment, employment and regeneration opportunities they are expected to bring.
The programme for designating Freeports in Wales has now closed.
WQ99337 · Tabled · Answered
What anti-fraud measures is the Welsh Government introducing alongside their automatic voter registration implementation?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Electoral registration fraud is historically very low in Wales. The Electoral Commission already provides guidance on identifying suspicious registration applications for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), who have a statutory duty to identify people who are eligible to register in their area.
By moving the onus of registration from individuals to the ERO, automatic registration will itself reduce the opportunity for individuals looking to commit fraud.
WQ99336 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Cabinet Minister support Newport Council's decision to become a City of Sanctuary?
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.
WQ99331 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to aligning postal voting rules for Senedd and council elections with rules used for UK elections?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Representation of the People (Absent Voting and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026 were agreed by the last Senedd and will come into force in November. This will entail alignment between devolved and reserved elections in areas such as online applications, National Insurance number requirements and postal vote renewal timings. Any further changes will be based on our appraisal of what is best for Wales.
WQ99327 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister clarify the scope of advice Ian Blackford is offering the Welsh Government, and if he is paid a salary?
Answered by First Minister
Ian Blackford is not offering advice to the Welsh Government.
WQ99325 · Tabled · Answered
What is the total cost of the legal advice regarding the Welsh Government's proposed shadow broadcasting and communications authority?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
I refer to my answer to WQ99128 (e) and confirm that details of Welsh Government legal advice are protected by Legal Professional Privilege.
WQ99322 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Cabinet Minister have to ensure all forms of public transport are equipped with air conditioning across Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
We recognise the importance of public transport continuing to provide high standards of comfort during periods of high temperatures, which are likely to occur more frequently in the future.
Currently over two-thirds of the TfW train fleet has air-conditioning and all the new train fleets being introduced by TfW have air conditioning. Once all the new train fleets are introduced only a small handful of trains operated by TfW will not have air-conditioning.
At the same time, Welsh Government and Transport for Wales are making a significant investment in the TrawsCymru fleet, with new buses being introduced that include modern air conditioning systems, helping to improve passenger comfort and resilience of services as part of wider network improvements.
While effective cooling can be more challenging on stop–start local services, ensuring appropriate temperature management remains an important aspect of safe operations, particularly in supporting driver wellbeing and concentration.
WQ99321 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to reduce the cost of bus and train travel across Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
We have extended the Young Persons Fare Scheme until March 2027, enabling 5 to 21-year-olds to travel on participating bus services for £1 per single journey, with a daily fare cap of £3.
We also continue to fund free bus travel for people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people, with nearly 700,000 concessionary travel passes currently in use across Wales.
The Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 will enable a more integrated bus network and support the development of simpler, more consistent fares, helping passengers access affordable and reliable services wherever they travel on local bus services in Wales.
All Transport for Wales (TfW) rail fares were frozen earlier this year in line with the UK Government announcement. TfW already offers some of the cheapest rail fares in the UK and the introduction of ‘Pay As You Go’ in South and North Wales has provided passengers with cheaper fares and a much easier method of payment. Take up in South Wales is already around 50%.
TfW will bring journey planning, ticketing and real-time information together in one place – building on our already improved rail platform as we move towards bus franchising.
WQ99287 · Tabled · Answered
What is the most up-to-date figure for the amount of revenue funding held in the Wales reserve?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The amount of funding in the Wales Reserve is wholly dependent on the final outturn of 2025-26 for the Welsh Government and other bodies funded directly from the Welsh Consolidated Fund.
As this process is still ongoing, the position has not yet been finalised. Based on current estimates, the level of revenue funding in the Wales Reserve is £187m. However, this figure remains subject to change until the annual accounts process is complete.
WQ99284 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government commit to ensuring that no public funds, including funds provided through third-party organisations, are used directly or indirectly to support illegal migrants or any person with no legal right to remain in the United Kingdom as part of its Nation of Sanctuary policy?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Immigration, including asylum and the status and capacity of persons in the United Kingdom who are not British citizens, is a reserved matter. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office is responsible for decisions about who has the right to visit or stay in the United Kingdom.
Welsh Government funding under the Nation of Sanctuary approach supports devolved public services to deliver their responsibilities, and third sector organisations (including charities) to support integration. It does not alter or override UK immigration rules, nor the rights conferred with immigration status.
We expect all recipients of Welsh Government funding to comply with relevant terms and conditions, including the proper use of public funds and adherence to all relevant legislative and statutory requirements.
WQ99277 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether the Welsh Government’s new Human Rights Act will apply to only British citizens, to all people legally resident in Wales, or to everyone in Wales including illegal immigrants?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Human rights are universal: they belong to everyone, regardless of nationality, origin or immigration status.
WQ99273 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to expand its Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government is committed to making Wales an anti-racist nation by 2030. We are keeping the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan under active review.
WQ99272 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide a detailed breakdown of the funding allocated to equality, inclusion, and human rights, and to community cohesion in the recent budget?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
1st supplementary budget documents for 2026 to 2027, laid before the Senedd on 23 June, set out budget allocated specifically to the Equalities budget line, totalling £11.429m revenue budget, and £3.44m capital budget for the Gypsy Traveller Sites grant budget line. However, mainstreaming equality and human rights is a core cross-government obligation and every area of government contributes to delivering equality and human rights outcomes.
As published on the Welsh Government website in March 2026, the previous Welsh Government agreed £3.15 million for the Cohesion and Hate Policy Branch allocation from the Cohesive Communities Budget for 2026 to 2027.
Funded programmes across Government will be reviewed in due course as part of the budgetary planning process by the current Welsh Government.
WQ99271 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister explain which United Nations human rights conventions she plans to incorporate into Welsh law?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
In line with our manifesto commitment, we are taking forward proposals in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People (UNCRDP), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
WQ99270 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government scrap its LGBTQ+ Action Plan?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The previous government’s LGBTQ+ Action Plan concluded at the end of the sixth Senedd term. The Welsh Government is committed to protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Wales and ensuring everyone can live free from prejudice, intolerance, and hate.
WQ99269 · Tabled · No answer published
What are the Cabinet Minister's priorities for the NHS in Newport and Islwyn?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ99268 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to amending its standard grant conditions to ensure that Welsh Government funding cannot be used, whether directly or indirectly through staff time, overheads or funded activity, for paid lobbying of the Welsh Government, Senedd Members or Senedd committees?
Answered by First Minister
The Welsh Government regularly reviews its standard grant award letter. The letter contains robust terms and conditions and prohibitions that the grant recipient must adhere to about the use of funding.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.