Siambr · Gareth Thomas
Written questions
20 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ101037 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the progress of the Disabled People’s Rights Plan 2025 to 2035, specifically detailing which short-term outcomes are on track for delivery by 2027, and outlining the timeline for reconvening the Disability Rights Taskforce structures to co-produce the next phase of the plan?
To be answered by: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
WQ100932 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government ensuring that consistent safeguarding, communication and licensing standards are applied to private vehicle hire services across Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Local authorities are responsible for licensing drivers and ensuring they remain fit and proper to hold a licence. The Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards apply to England and Wales. Those standards recommend licensing authorities assess a driver's oral and written English language proficiency before granting a licence, to ensure they can communicate effectively with passengers, including in emergencies and when supporting passengers with additional needs.
The Welsh Government has also published guidance to support local authorities, this includes driver training materials aimed at improving customer service, safeguarding awareness, and demonstrations of how to appropriately assist vulnerable passengers.
Regardless of where they are licensed, all drivers are subject to vetting requirements, including criminal record checks, driving licence and medical assessments. However, we recognise concerns regarding out-of-area working and the challenges this can create for local authority enforcement.
The Welsh Government are considering non-legislative and legislative options to improve the taxi and private hire vehicle sector.
WQ100905 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure the safety of vulnerable passengers using private hire services, particularly where drivers operating in Cardiff are licensed by local authorities outside of Cardiff?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Local authorities are responsible for licensing drivers and ensuring they remain fit and proper to hold a licence. The Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards apply to England and Wales. Those standards recommend licensing authorities assess a driver's oral and written English language proficiency before granting a licence, to ensure they can communicate effectively with passengers, including in emergencies and when supporting passengers with additional needs.
The Welsh Government has also published guidance to support local authorities, this includes driver training materials aimed at improving customer service, safeguarding awareness, and demonstrations of how to appropriately assist vulnerable passengers.
Regardless of where they are licensed, all drivers are subject to vetting requirements, including criminal record checks, driving licence and medical assessments. However, we recognise concerns regarding out-of-area working and the challenges this can create for local authority enforcement.
The Welsh Government are considering non-legislative and legislative options to improve the taxi and private hire vehicle sector.
WQ100904 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government ensuring that drivers of private hire vehicles have sufficient English language skills to communicate effectively with passengers, particularly in an emergency or where a passenger has additional needs, so as to protect the safety of vulnerable users?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Local authorities are responsible for licensing drivers and ensuring they remain fit and proper to hold a licence. The Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards apply to England and Wales. Those standards recommend licensing authorities assess a driver's oral and written English language proficiency before granting a licence, to ensure they can communicate effectively with passengers, including in emergencies and when supporting passengers with additional needs.
The Welsh Government has also published guidance to support local authorities, this includes driver training materials aimed at improving customer service, safeguarding awareness, and demonstrations of how to appropriately assist vulnerable passengers.
Regardless of where they are licensed, all drivers are subject to vetting requirements, including criminal record checks, driving licence and medical assessments. However, we recognise concerns regarding out-of-area working and the challenges this can create for local authority enforcement.
The Welsh Government are considering non-legislative and legislative options to improve the taxi and private hire vehicle sector.
WQ100903 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure that wheelchair users have adequate and consistent access to wheelchair-accessible taxis in all parts of Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Within Wales local authorities are responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, including the setting of local vehicle standards and accessibility requirements.
The Welsh Government has supported local authorities through the publication of guidance aimed at promoting greater consistency in licensing standards and practices across Wales.
Department for Transport statistics indicate that the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis and private hire vehicles has reduced across England and Wales in recent years. The Welsh Government continues to engage with UK Government officials, local authorities, the taxi and private hire vehicle sector, and organisations representing disabled passengers to better understand the challenges affecting the provision of wheelchair-accessible services and to identify potential solutions to improve the provision of licensed wheelchair accessible vehicles.
WQ100887 · Tabled · Answered
What indicators will the Welsh Government use to measure progress in delivering a preventative approach to mental health and wellbeing?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health has set out, through an Oral Statement on 15 July 2026, a commitment to ensuring that Welsh Government decision-making is informed by a shared focus on public and preventative health. Our Programme for Government also sets out how we will embed mental health considerations across government policy, public service delivery to create a more joined‑up approach to improving wellbeing. The processes for monitoring progress and reporting on outcomes are to be confirmed.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy includes a set of measurable, cross-Government indicators to track progress. These include ‘mean mental wellbeing score’ which his one of 50 national indicators contained within the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
We will also develop a monitoring approach that embeds learning from these indicators into the development of policy impacting mental health and wellbeing.
WQ100888 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government ensure that improving mental health and well-being is a core component of the forthcoming Public Health Strategy for Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
This Government is already ensuring mental health and wellbeing is embedded across Government policy and the work of Public Bodies. The Health Impact Assessment (Wales) Regulations 2025, come into force in April 2027, and will require specified public bodies to consider the impact of their decisions on both physical and mental health.
The Public Health Strategy for Wales will complement rather than duplicate current strategies, including the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and wider work to improve population wellbeing and address the social determinants of health.
WQ100883 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure schools effectively prevent bullying among children and young people, particularly those who are disproportionately affected by bullying, including those with additional learning needs, disabilities and socio-economic disadvantage?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
In May 2026, we published updated statutory guidance, Rights, Respect, Equality: Challenging bullying and harassment, requiring schools and local authorities to prevent and respond to bullying through a whole-school approach. It strengthens expectations for early identification, recording, monitoring and learner voice, particularly for prejudice-related bullying and learners disproportionately affected by disability, additional learning needs or poverty. Supplementing this guidance, we are developing a practical implementation toolkit and hosting a national event for Anti-Bullying Week.
WQ100868 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government ensure that the voices of mental health service users and carers are properly heard and meaningfully involved by local health boards and local authorities when planning and delivering mental health services?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
The Programme for Government includes our commitment to improve the effectiveness of services through the voices of those with lived experience. The Quality Statement for Mental Health outlines the planning expectations for the delivery of mental health services in Wales and is clear about the importance of lived experience in shaping our services. To support implementation and drive improvement, the Quality Management System, as set out in the Duty of Quality (2023), will be applied in all parts of the system.
The Strategic Programme for Mental Health is embedding the voice of lived experience throughout its work and including the Open Access Mental Health Support Model to ensure services reflect what matters most to the people who use them. This work is informed by the People’s Experience Framework which emphasises that listening to people’s experiences is a core requirement under multiple duties and legislative frameworks.
National guidance produced by the Wales Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum further highlights the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for people with lived experience to influence decisions at every level.
WQ100731 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve access to specialist support for people with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
We recognise the impact that premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can have on those affected. Women’s health is a priority for the Welsh Government, with menstrual health identified as one of the eight priority areas in the Women’s Health Plan.
A key action during the first year of the implementation on the Women’s health Plan was the establishment of pathfinder Women’s Health Hubs. These Hubs are being developed to improve access to services and women’s experiences of care, with the aim of improving overall health outcomes. Menstrual health is one of the priority areas during these early development stages. We are carefully monitoring and further considering the current Women’s Health Hub model to improve consistency of provision.
We are also improving workforce skills to support earlier recognition of symptoms of women’s health conditions. Health Education and Improvement Wales are developing Women’s Health training modules, including modules on menstrual health, and a webinar on PMDD for GPs and Primary Care professionals. Information for women is also being improved through the new NHS Wales Women’s Health Website. This includes links to trusted information about PMDD symptoms, treatments for the condition and signposting to support.
All health boards offer specialist psychological therapies to support people with a range of mental health issues, NHS Performance and Improvement continue to work with health board to improve access. Through our 10-year Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, we are also expanding open-access support so people can receive the right help at the right time based on need, with greater choice and flexibility through services such as 111 Press 2 and online cognitive behavioural therapy.
The Quality Statement for Mental Health outlines the planning expectations for the delivery of mental health services in Wales, including how we support people with a physical health diagnosis.
WQ100712 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve the diagnosis and treatment for people with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
We recognise the impact that premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can have on those affected. Women’s health is a priority for the Welsh Government, with menstrual health identified as one of the eight priority areas in the Women’s Health Plan.
A key action during the first year of the implementation on the Women’s health Plan was the establishment of pathfinder Women’s Health Hubs. These Hubs are being developed to improve access to services and women’s experiences of care, with the aim of improving overall health outcomes. Menstrual health is one of the priority areas during these early development stages. We are carefully monitoring and further considering the current Women’s Health Hub model to improve consistency of provision.
We are also improving workforce skills to support earlier recognition of symptoms of women’s health conditions. Health Education and Improvement Wales are developing Women’s Health training modules, including modules on menstrual health, and a webinar on PMDD for GPs and Primary Care professionals. Information for women is also being improved through the new NHS Wales Women’s Health Website. This includes links to trusted information about PMDD symptoms, treatments for the condition and signposting to support.
All health boards offer specialist psychological therapies to support people with a range of mental health issues, NHS Performance and Improvement continue to work with health board to improve access. Through our 10-year Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, we are also expanding open-access support so people can receive the right help at the right time based on need, with greater choice and flexibility through services such as 111 Press 2 and online cognitive behavioural therapy.
The Quality Statement for Mental Health outlines the planning expectations for the delivery of mental health services in Wales, including how we support people with a physical health diagnosis.
WQ100505 · Tabled · Answered
How much total funding has the Welsh Government allocated to disabled people’s organisations in Wales during the current Senedd?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
Welsh Government systems do not allow us to accurately extract this information. Tackling disability is a cross-cutting issue, and we are committed to working with partners, including disabled people’s organisations, to implement the Disabled People’s Rights Plan.
WQ100504 · Tabled · Answered
What is the total amount of funding the Welsh Government has allocated to support the implementation of the Disabled People's Rights Plan?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Equality for disabled people is a shared responsibility that requires commitment across all government departments; funding contributing to delivery of the plan cannot be separated out.
WQ100443 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the number of privately operated care homes in Wales, and the number of adults and children with additional learning needs placed in those settings by local authorities, broken down by local authority area?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The number of privately run care homes in Wales by local authority is as follows:
Adult Care Homes
Children’s Care Homes
With Nursing
Without Nursing
245
707
345
The Welsh Government does not collect data on the number of adults and children with additional learning needs placed in those settings by local authorities, broken down by local authority area. This information would be held at local authority level.
However, from the total figure of privately run care homes, the numbers with provision for people with a learning disability are:
Adults With Nursing
97
Adults Without Nursing
414
Children’s Home
152
In addition, from the total figure of privately run care homes, the numbers with provision for people with mental health are:
Adults With Nursing
133
Adults Without Nursing
394
Children’s Home
149
WQ100095 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Government commissioned, or does it intend to commission, a structural survey of all buildings scheduled for demolition at the former RAF St Athan site, and if so, will the Cabinet Minister provide details of the surveys undertaken, the findings and how those findings will inform demolition and site redevelopment plans?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
A structural survey has not been commissioned on buildings scheduled for demolition at the former RAF St Athan site. The need for structural surveys will be kept under review and any requirement for such surveys would be determined on the basis of professional advice in the context of the demolition programme.
The buildings scheduled for demolition have been the subject of asbestos, ecology, historic building and condition surveys.
The findings of the surveys inform the pre demolition management and planning, sequencing and delivery of demolition works, ensuring that works are undertaken safely and compliantly.
WQ99820 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Welsh Government been approached by the UK Home Office, or any other public body, regarding the use of land or buildings at the former RAF St Athan site for the accommodation of asylum seekers, migrants, or any other resettlement scheme; and if so, what discussions have taken place?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government has not been approached by the Home Office, or any other public body, regarding the use of land or buildings at the former RAF St Athan site for the accommodation of asylum seekers, Afghan arrivals under the Afghan Resettlement Programme, or any other resettlement scheme.
WQ99425 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government ensure that its planning policy protects high streets, the countryside and green spaces where proposed developments face significant local opposition?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Planning policy for protecting high streets, the countryside and green spaces is currently set out in Future Wales, Planning Policy Wales, technical advice, and locally through local development plans. While inheriting and administering the current planning policy framework, this government is committed to reforming the planning system to better serve our people, communities and businesses, and this work will be underpinned by a community-centred approach.
Decisions on individual development proposals are made by local planning authorities, or other relevant decision-makers, in accordance with the development plan and other material planning considerations. The planning system provides opportunities for individuals and local communities to engage with and influence both the preparation of development plans and the determination of planning applications at the appropriate stages of the process.
WQ99428 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm how the proposed Porthcawl seafront development will balance the need for new housing with tourism, green space and local infrastructure?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The proposed development at Porthcawl, which predates the current Welsh Government, includes circa 900 new homes to align with the site’s allocation in the adopted Local Development Plan. To support the new homes and the existing community the proposals include a new linear park, and recreation uses such as Padel courts. A new lido is also included in the proposals. Land is included for improved education facilities. Discussions have taken place with the Health Board and statutory undertakers to ensure adequate services are provided and upgraded where necessary.
The proposals included in the planning application have been subject to extensive public consultation and have been amended to take into account the views of the public and other stakeholders.
WQ99212 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Minister made of how the UK Government’s VALOUR initiative will operate in Wales, and what steps will be taken to ensure it aligns with and strengthens existing support for veterans in Welsh communities?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government is engaging with the UK Government on the Valour programme, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community who need assistance. We are in regular contact with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and are collaborating with the Valour Network Manager for Wales to ensure the programme aligns with established support structures, including Welsh Government funded Armed Forces Liaison Officers.
WQ99209 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm how many homes built to M4(3) (wheelchair user) standards are being allocated within new developments in the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend County Borough, and what proportion this represents of total housing delivery?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Welsh Government’s design standard for new social homes funded with Social Housing Grant, Welsh Development Quality Requirements 2021, references the Lifetime Homes Standard as a recognised means to ensure that new homes meet most reasonable needs of the widest range of people now and in the future. Homes achieving these standards provide homes that are thoughtfully designed, accessible and more readily adaptable to longer term needs.
In addition, Planning Policy Wales and Building Regulations promote inclusive design and the provision of accessible and adaptable housing. While no national percentage requirement is set, Local Authorities may include policies in Local Development Plans requiring a proportion of new homes to meet accessibility standards (e.g. M4(2) and M4(3)), based on identified local need. New homes are required to be built to Part M of the Building Regulations which sets out standards for accessibility.
Four new housing developments across the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, supported by Welsh Government Social Housing Grant, are now underway. Together, they will deliver 180 additional homes that meet the Welsh Development Quality Requirements (WDQR).
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.