Siambr · Dan Thomas
Written questions
320 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 6 of 7.
WQ99267 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to the education reforms introduced elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and whether elements can be adopted in Wales to improve outcomes for pupils and reduce variation in educational standards?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Drawing on international best practice our new Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan will be published in September. The plan will set out a clear approach to national, school and individual targets for learners, to support improvement and to ensure we can monitor progress nationally. It will also provide clarity on what children should learn and when, strengthening progression and accountability across the system and provide core, evidence-based expectations for teaching literacy and numeracy in every classroom.
WQ99265 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Cabinet Minister make to make Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru a single energy company?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Welsh Government will provide a plan to deliver the Welsh Public Energy Company within the first 100 days of the current Government term.
WQ99264 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister begun the review of the funding formula for local government?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government has committed to review the local government funding formula as part of its First 100 Days programme. Work to support this is already underway, including updating the evidence base, performing detailed analysis and engaging with local government partners. I will be discussing next steps and the future direction of the review with the Finance Sub-Group at its forthcoming meeting.
WQ99263 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made in developing the right to adequate housing?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
As set out in my statement on 9 June, my intention is to bring forward proposals to legislate for the right to adequate housing for all. Housing policy in Wales will realise this right progressively. Further information about our legislative programme will be announced in due course.
WQ99262 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made in developing a community right to buy Bill?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
As referenced in my statement on 9 June, the Welsh Government will look at strengthening its support for community owned and community run assets through the development of community right to buy legislation. Further information about our legislative programme will be announced in due course.
WQ99261 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government confirm the salary for the proposed social care champion?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government is progressing its 100-day commitment to work with Llais to appoint a Champion. Discussions are underway to shape the role, focusing on how it can best raise the profile of social care and amplify the voices of those who use care and support, unpaid carers, families and the workforce.
We expect to confirm the arrangements, including remuneration, in the coming weeks.
WQ99259 · Tabled · Answered
How many meetings has the Cabinet Minister held with representatives, employees, or other officials of BBC Wales regarding her portfolio responsibilities since taking office, and will she provide details of the dates of those meetings and the individuals who attended?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
None. Details of ministerial meetings are published routinely as part of the Welsh Government’s transparency arrangements.
WQ99206 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Commission given to setting up a lobbyist register now that the Senedd has supported its establishment?
Answered by Senedd Commission
The Commission is responsible for providing the property, staff, and services required to enable the Senedd and its Members to function effectively. In that context, the Commission will consider any proposals or decisions relating to the establishment or administration of a lobbying register where they fall within its responsibilities.
While motions passed in opposition debates are not binding, officials will draw the motion agreed by the Senedd to the Standards of Conduct Committee's attention, as the Committee with responsibility for considering matters related to the conduct of Members.
The establishment of a register for lobbyists is something which has been considered by the Standards of Conduct Committee in previous Seneddau, and was identified in the Sixth Senedd Standards of Conduct Committee’s legacy report as an issue for further consideration in this Senedd. As such, the Committee is well-placed to work through the various issues that will need to be addressed to bring together a detailed proposal, and to ensure that the Commission is able to make informed provision as necessary.
The Commission will continue to engage with any relevant work undertaken by the Senedd or its committees on this matter during the Seventh Senedd.
WQ99258 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister considered implementing a shuttle bus between Cardiff Central train station and Cardiff Bay whilst the new proposed tram is under construction?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
I have no immediate plans to introduce a shuttle bus. There are regular train services between Cathays and Cardiff Bay which provide people with good public transport links between the two locations.
WQ99254 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with the Scottish Government about reforming the Barnett formula?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
I will be meeting with the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government in Scottish Government in the next few weeks. Amongst the items I will be raising during our discussion will be fiscal reform and the operation of the Barnett formula.
WQ99249 · Tabled · No answer published
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to increasing the number of air conditioning units in NHS hospitals across Wales?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ99248 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to increasing the number of air conditioning units in schools across Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Decisions around the management of school buildings and the control of internal temperature rest with local authorities, diocesan authorities, and governing bodies.
The Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning infrastructure investment Programme Business Case Guidance requires local authorities and further education institutions to design new school buildings to meet the projected impact of climate change. The Welsh Government is not prescriptive in terms of the type of heating and cooling services that may be included within school buildings. This is a local decision.
New schools and major refurbishments should however comply with Building Bulletin 101 on Ventilation which sets standards for ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ) in school buildings. It applies mainly to support compliance with Building Regulations (especially Part F – ventilation).
WQ99244 · Tabled · Answered
Will be the Cabinet Minister's meetings with Rowan Williams and Laura McAllister be minuted, and if so, will they be made publicly available?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
I was happy to meet Rowan Williams and Laura McAllister on 15th and 18th June, respectively. The discussion focussed on reflections on their former roles as co-chairs of The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales, and seeking their perspectives on how best to support the constitutional conversation in Wales, including through the establishment of a National Commission.
I shall update the Senedd on our plans in the constitutional sphere as this agenda develops.
WQ99243 · Tabled · No answer published
Has the Welsh Government started its consultation on the design of a telehealth implementation plan?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ99242 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm the purpose of the proposed Preventative Departmental Expenditure Line?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I am working with the Cabinet Minister for Finance to consider how best to strengthen our collective focus on prevention in public spending. Prevention is a key priority for this Government, and we are exploring how our budget processes can better support early intervention and long-term outcomes.
This is part of our wider effort to ensure public resources are used in a way that delivers sustainable benefits for people in Wales.
WQ99235 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to promoting the cultural significance of the 13 historic counties in Wales?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
I recognise the deep cultural and historic importance of places across Wales. The identities, traditions and heritage associated with historic counties continue to contribute to our understanding of Wales’s past and to the distinctiveness of communities today.
In developing the new culture, heritage and sport strategy I will be exploring how we can better recognise and support the cultural identity of all communities and places across Wales.
WQ99204 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the setting up of the proposed Economic and Fiscal Commission?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Work is underway to establish an Economic and Fiscal Commission to strengthen granular economic analysis, alongside developing a National Development Agency. This will help to better align investment, skills and innovation, supporting sustainable growth and high-quality job creation across Wales. We will be able to provide more specific and detailed updates in due course.
WQ99167 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an up-to-date total figure and a full breakdown by school for estimated additional learning needs related school budget deficits?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Reserves held by schools are published here Reserves held by schools: as at 31 March 2025 [HTML] | GOV.WALES The information in the format requested is not available.
WQ99234 · Tabled · No answer published
What progress has been made on the proposed independent review into the performance of the NHS in Wales?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ99226 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to address litter and fly-tipping in Marshfield area of Newport?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
To directly help our communities, local authorities and businesses in tackling litter across Wales we provide funding to Keep Wales Tidy. Details on their activity in the ward of Tredegar Park and Marshfield can be found on Keep Wales Tidy’s website. It includes three community litter picking groups, three litter champions, an active litter free zone at St Joseph's RC High School and two local businesses carrying out wider community litter picking. Our funding of Keep Wales Tidy also supports wider awareness raising and behaviour change campaigns.
In relation to fly-tipping, we provide funding to Natural Resources Wales to support the Fly-tipping Action Wales programme. The team work with local authorities across Wales and have a close partnership with Newport County Council to tackle fly-tipping on the Gwent Levels. I understand they are also in regular dialogue with representatives from Marshfield Community Council. Newport County Council has recently benefitted from 10 new trail cameras to help tackle fly-tipping hotspots in their area and are continuing to make progress in addressing fly-tipping with an increase in prosecutions and enforcement activity.
WQ99217 · Tabled · Answered
How many meetings has the First Minister held with representatives, employees, or other officials of BBC Wales since taking office, and will he provide details of the dates of those meetings and the individuals who attended?
Answered by First Minister
None. Details of ministerial meetings are published routinely as part of the Welsh Government’s transparency arrangements.
WQ99214 · Tabled · No answer published
Has the Cabinet Minister requested a visit from the European Cancer Pulse initiative, and if so, when has it been scheduled for?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ99213 · Tabled · No answer published
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister been given to supporting a new visitor centre in Caerleon?
To be answered by: Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
WQ99211 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the projected cost of the expansion of free school meals to comprehensive school children who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Projected costs of the expansion of free school meals to secondary school children who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit will vary according to levels of take up and local delivery context. On 22 June, as part of the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2026-27, I announced an additional £15m to start enabling more secondary pupils in maintained schools to receive free school meals. The intention is to start with learners in Years 7 and 8 from September and we are working with partners on plans to deliver this effectively and at pace.
WQ99210 · Tabled · Answered
What date does the First Minister consider to be his Government's 100th day in office?
Answered by First Minister
The first 100 days of this administration have focused on implementing the Government's priorities and laying the foundations for delivery over the course of this Senedd term. We will assess progress against the 100 days plan on the 26th August 2026, 100 days after the first Cabinet meeting.
WQ99208 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Cabinet Minister made in developing the proposed new school swimming and water safety programme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
An allocation of £2m has been provided in the first supplementary Budget for 2026-27 to support the roll-out of a new school swimming and water safety programme. The programme 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 in line with the commitment in our 100-day plan.
WQ99207 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to ensure Cardiff Airport offers more destinations for travel across the United Kingdom?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Ministers do not intervene in the airport’s day-to-day commercial operating matters. Commercial negotiations regarding routes are a matter between airlines and the airport executive team.
WQ99205 · Tabled · Answered
What is the projected cost of setting up the Economic and Fiscal Commission?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
We are currently working through different options for delivering on this commitment. We will prioritise value for money and the responsible spending of public funds. We will be able to provide further updates on projected costs in due course.
WQ99203 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Cabinet Minister made in developing its pilot Community Schools Plus programme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Work is underway with partners to develop the principles and options for a pilot programme, which will establish a coordinated approach to improving learner outcomes by bringing together education with a range of multi-agency partners including health, social care and youth services.
I will provide further details in due course.
WQ99202 · Tabled · Answered
What preparations has the Cabinet Minister made in developing its new foundational literacy and numeracy plan, and what is the agreed timeline for implementation?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
In line with our 100 days commitment, we are progressing at pace with the development of a new foundational literacy and numeracy plan.
I will be issuing an update before the end of the school term, setting out the timetable for publication and implementation of the plan.
WQ99198 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Cabinet Minister made in appointing a Social Care Champion?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government is progressing its 100-day commitment to work with Llais to appoint a Social Care Champion.
Constructive discussions have commenced with Llais to shape the role, focusing on how the Champion can most effectively raise the profile of social care and amplify the voices and experiences of people who use care and support, unpaid carers, families and the workforce.
We expect to confirm the arrangements in the coming weeks.
WQ99196 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister begun its review of health-based inequalities in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
This work is underway. The Chief Medical Officer has already reviewed the evidence currently available and I am expecting a full update in the next few weeks.
WQ99195 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister clarify whether the Welsh Government has begun its research on reforming the formula for GP funding?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Our First 100 Days plan commits to commissioning research on reforming the formula for distributing GP funding, to ensure it better reflects population need and supports sustainable general practice across Wales.
Officials are working with NHS Wales and GP representatives through established tripartite arrangements to undertake this work.
WQ99170 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government ensure that British citizens will be prioritised housing when any new social homes are built?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Local authorities are required by Section 167 of the Housing Act 1996 to have an allocation scheme that determines the authority’s priorities and procedures to be followed in allocating social housing.
WQ99169 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister rule out any further increases in the number of Senedd members?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
The Welsh Government will not propose an increase in the number of Members of the Senedd.
The increase to 96 Members followed recommendations from a series of reports dating back to 2004. We now have a Senedd which better reflects the additional powers and responsibilities it has acquired since the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999.
WQ99168 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to ease congestion at High Cross, Newport?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
While responsibility for the local road network within Newport, such as around High Cross, rests with Newport City Council, I fully recognise that congestion on the M4 around Newport is a significant contributing factor to pressures on the city’s roads. Addressing motorway conditions is therefore an important part of improving overall traffic flow within the city.
As the Member will be aware, I announced on 9 June a short, focused programme of work to explore measures that could make a meaningful difference to conditions on the M4 around Newport. This work will build on the substantial body of evidence already developed by previous governments and will consider what interventions may now be most effective and deliverable. I intend to report back to Members in the autumn term, setting out the outcome of this work and the Government’s proposed way forward.
Alongside this, our approach is increasingly focused on reducing reliance on private car use with the provision of public transport alternatives that make travel easier, cheaper and oftentimes, faster. We have now moved to a more regional model for transport delivery. The South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee has a key role in setting priorities and delivering the Regional Transport Plan, working closely with Transport for Wales, Newport City Council and other partners.
Any interventions, whether at High Cross or more broadly, need to be considered within that wider regional context - supporting more attractive public transport options, encouraging modal shift, tackling congestion, and ensuring that investment decisions are affordable, evidence-led and aligned with regional priorities.
WQ99166 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide up-to-date figures on the number of primary, secondary, special, nursery and middle schools with negative reserves and provide a total monetary figure for those schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government publishes annual analysis of financial reserves held by schools in Wales.
The latest figures show that at 31 March 2025, 296 primary, 71 secondary, 9 special, 2 nursery and 15 middle schools in Wales had negative reserves totalling £72 million.
The remaining 1,074 schools had positive reserves. The overall level of reserves held by schools in Wales was £66 million at 31 March 2025.
WQ99165 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm how many members of staff Unnos will have?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Work has started to establish Unnos that will be an enabler for increasing and importantly accelerating social housing supply. It’s important that Unnos has the tools, resources and budget it will need to deliver the outcomes I want it to achieve. This work is ongoing and I will provide an update to Members in due course.
WQ99164 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm what the projected cost of establishing Unnos is?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Work has started to establish Unnos that will be an enabler for increasing and importantly accelerating social housing supply. It’s important that Unnos has the tools, resources and budget it will need to deliver the outcomes I want it to achieve. This work is ongoing and I will provide an update to Members in due course.
WQ99163 · Tabled · No answer published
What is the Welsh Government doing to promote greater collaboration between English and Welsh health boards?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ99162 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government have any plans to open more overseas offices in this Senedd term?
Answered by First Minister
The Welsh Government will be setting out its vision for international relations with a new International Strategy.
WQ99161 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether Foreign Office officials will be in attendance when the Welsh Government consults the European Commission about its SmartCare App?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ99160 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government have any plans to integrate bus and train services in Newport?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government is committed to improving integration between bus and rail services in Newport as part of our wider plans for a more joined up public transport network across Wales.
The Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 will enable the delivery of greater integration across the public transport network in Wales. Transport for Wales (TfW), on behalf of Welsh Ministers, will plan routes, fares and service standards in the public interest, supporting more coordinated services and integrated ticketing. The new franchising framework for delivering bus services will be rolled out regionally across Wales, with South East Wales being the third region to be rolled out. TfW has undertaken extensive engagement with stakeholders in Newport, including Newport City Council and bus operators, which will continue during the transition into the new framework, in order to inform network design and delivery. By 2030, franchising will be in place across Wales, providing the foundation for integration between bus and rail services.
A public consultation has been held by TfW for the proposed 3 "Burns" stations within Newport. The new stations will be safe and accessible with bus interchange included where it is possible to do so. The consultation report published in December last year included and reflected all respondents views on bus connectivity for the stations and will be used to inform the design and delivery of the new stations.
Alongside this, TfW is developing a single digital travel companion to bring together journey planning, booking and payment into one easier-to-use platform across app, website and customer account. This will support more seamless door-to-door journeys across different modes of transport and over time enable simpler and more flexible ticketing.
WQ99159 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to support the regeneration of Newport city centre?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
We are establishing a Town Centre Task Force which will advise on the best ways to support town and city centres across Wales.
WQ99142 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's progress on establishing the proposed city centre taskforce?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Significant progress is being made to establish the Town Centre Taskforce, which will consider issues affecting both town and city centres, with key elements of its structure and leadership now being put in place. We are establishing the Taskforce within the first 100 days as part of our commitment to a revitalised approach to town centres across Wales.
I will make further announcements once I am in a position to confirm appointments.
WQ99141 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government ensuring adequate access to English-medium education for under-16s in Gwynedd?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Local authorities are responsible for planning school places. Our priority is to raise literacy standards in both Welsh and English ensuring all learners have the opportunity to become bilingual through the education system, building strong skills in both Welsh and English.
The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act, passed unanimously in the Senedd last year, provides a clear framework to achieve this.
WQ99157 · Tabled · Answered
What support will the Welsh Government provide to Caerleon’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The Welsh Government welcomes the potential for a Welsh town to become UK Town of Culture, given the strong potential this has for economic growth, enabling communities to thrive and promoting wellbeing.
The UK Government is expected to announce a shortlist in due course. The Welsh Government will then engage with all shortlisted towns in Wales.
WQ99156 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support the Malpas Road sustainable transport corridor as outlined in the Burns Delivery report?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government supports the delivery of the Lord Burns recommendations to improve transport options in the south east of Wales. The Malpas Road sustainable transport corridor project has the potential to improve access to Newport city centre through better bus journey reliability and making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and more attractive. This in turn can contribute to reducing pressure on the M4 around Newport.
WQ99153 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government be maintaining the increasing immigration legal advice provision in Wales scheme?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Substantive response
WQ99150 · Tabled · Answered
Will any social homes which were already under construction or already in the planning process before the start of this Senedd count towards the Government's 20,000 social home target and if so, how many will this include?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
I will be issuing a Written Statement on the specifics of the target.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.