Siambr · Ken Skates
Written questions
45 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ100739 · Tabled · Answered
Has performance against emergency department waiting time targets at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board improved, worsened or remained static since 1 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The NHS Wales Performance Framework 2026-2027 sets out the measures and expectations used to assess NHS Wales performance, including for ambulance patient handover and emergency department performance.
National and local performance against each of these measures is published monthly on the StatsWales website: Health and social care | StatsWales
For Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, performance for ambulance handovers completed within 15 minutes and within 45 minutes has improved since 1 May 2026.
Performance against the four-hour emergency department target and the number of 12-hour waits have been broadly stable in recent months.
Performance across these measures remains unacceptable. I expect the health board to deliver demonstrable and sustained improvement, with pace, through clear and accountable action.
WQ100737 · Tabled · Answered
Has performance against ambulance handover targets at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board improved, worsened or remained static since 1 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The NHS Wales Performance Framework 2026-2027 sets out the measures and expectations used to assess NHS Wales performance, including for ambulance patient handover and emergency department performance.
National and local performance against each of these measures is published monthly on the StatsWales website: Health and social care | StatsWales
For Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, performance for ambulance handovers completed within 15 minutes and within 45 minutes has improved since 1 May 2026.
Performance against the four-hour emergency department target and the number of 12-hour waits have been broadly stable in recent months.
Performance across these measures remains unacceptable. I expect the health board to deliver demonstrable and sustained improvement, with pace, through clear and accountable action.
WQ100736 · Tabled · Answered
Has performance against cancer diagnosis and treatment targets at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board improved, remained static or worsened since 1 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The national suspected cancer pathway (SCP) target is for 75% of patients to start their first definitive treatment within 62 days from the point of suspicion of cancer.
The latest published statistics show that 57.1% of patients at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board started their first definitive cancer treatment within 62 days following suspicion of cancer in July 2026. This was a 4.6 percentage point increase compared to the position at the end of April 2026.
There is no national target for cancer diagnostic waiting times. However, I expect all health boards to work towards compliance against the National Optimal Pathways for each cancer type, which provide timed pathways of care describing how organisations can achieve the suspected cancer pathway target.
Performance against the national suspected cancer pathway (SCP) target is published on StatsWales.
WQ100570 · Tabled · Answered
What is the remuneration for the chair of the independent review into higher education in Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The appointed Chair brings considerable experience and expertise relevant to leading a review of this scale and complexity.
Professor Prendergast will be remunerated at a day rate of £815 for two days per week over an 18-month period. This is inclusive of VAT and estimated costs for his time and expenses. Professor Prendergast will be giving a substantial amount of time to this work, averaging 2 days a week over the next 18 months.
This reflects Professor Prendergast’s commitment to ensuring the highest possible quality of output from this review and that it is delivered within the timescale that we have outlined in the terms of reference. This also reflects the fact that the Review of Higher Education is of significant strategic importance and may result in recommendations that substantially reshape the higher education sector in Wales, including its future governance, management and funding arrangements.
WQ100582 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister sanctioned the dismissal of any chief executive officers of Welsh local health boards since May 2026 through the chief executive officer of NHS Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
NHS chief executives are employees of their respective organisations. Matters relating to their employment are the responsibility of their Boards and employing organisations. As was the case under the previous Labour administration, neither Welsh Ministers nor Welsh Government officials have powers to intervene in NHS employment matters.
Therefore, the answer to your questions is no.
The Welsh Government does not hold information indicating that the Chief Executive of NHS Wales has requested the dismissal of any health board chief executive since 12 May 2026.
Since 12 May 2026 I have not received any recommendations or advice from the Chief Executive of NHS Wales concerning the dismissal of a health board chief executive.
I have not sanctioned the dismissal of any health board chief executive through the Chief Executive of NHS Wales.
No health board chief executive has been dismissed since 12 May 2026.
WQ100581 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister received any recommendations or advice from the chief executive of NHS Wales concerning the dismissal of any local health board chief executive officers since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
NHS chief executives are employees of their respective organisations. Matters relating to their employment are the responsibility of their Boards and employing organisations. As was the case under the previous Labour administration, neither Welsh Ministers nor Welsh Government officials have powers to intervene in NHS employment matters.
Therefore, the answer to your questions is no.
The Welsh Government does not hold information indicating that the Chief Executive of NHS Wales has requested the dismissal of any health board chief executive since 12 May 2026.
Since 12 May 2026 I have not received any recommendations or advice from the Chief Executive of NHS Wales concerning the dismissal of a health board chief executive.
I have not sanctioned the dismissal of any health board chief executive through the Chief Executive of NHS Wales.
No health board chief executive has been dismissed since 12 May 2026.
WQ100580 · Tabled · Answered
Who is contractually responsible for the line management of local health boards chief executives?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Health board chief executives are employees of their respective organisations. Responsibility for the appointment, employment and performance management of a health board chief executive rests with the health board through its chair.
WQ100579 · Tabled · Answered
Did the selection and interview process for the position of Welsh NHS chief executive officer reference, examine, or consider the Jahangiri v St George's NHS Trust legal case?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Matters relating to staffing are for the Permanent Secretary who will respond to your question in due course.
WQ100578 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish all correspondence to and from local health boards regarding their performance since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
As a general principle Welsh Government do not routinely publish correspondence between Welsh Government and NHs organisations on matters such as performance.
Under the accountability arrangements, Welsh Government do meet with and challenge organisations regularly on their delivery of key Welsh Government priorities such as waiting times or access to urgent and emergency care. Each organisation received a letter following these meetings setting out Welsh Government expectations. In addition, Welsh Government have been in regular correspondence on specific issues with health boards.
I will be holding public accountability meetings with organisations next year and I am committed to these meetings being livestreamed and the letters being published on the Welsh Government website.
WQ100577 · Tabled · Answered
What information does the Welsh Government hold as to whether the chief executive of NHS Wales requested the dismissal of any Welsh NHS health board chief executives since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
NHS chief executives are employees of their respective organisations. Matters relating to their employment are the responsibility of their Boards and employing organisations. As was the case under the previous Labour administration, neither Welsh Ministers nor Welsh Government officials have powers to intervene in NHS employment matters.
Therefore, the answer to your questions is no.
The Welsh Government does not hold information indicating that the Chief Executive of NHS Wales has requested the dismissal of any health board chief executive since 12 May 2026.
Since 12 May 2026 I have not received any recommendations or advice from the Chief Executive of NHS Wales concerning the dismissal of a health board chief executive.
I have not sanctioned the dismissal of any health board chief executive through the Chief Executive of NHS Wales.
No health board chief executive has been dismissed since 12 May 2026.
WQ100576 · Tabled · Answered
Was the role of chair of the independent expert panel concerning the design and remit of a development agency for Wales advertised?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The chair of the expert advisory panel is an unpaid advisory role and a full public appointment process would neither have been proportionate nor quick enough to ensure we have prompt expert advice to support the establishment of a new development agency. Interviews weren’t conducted for the post, and the appointment was made by the First Minister on the basis of the skills and experience relevant to the role.
WQ100575 · Tabled · Answered
Did Welsh Government officials recommend any individuals who could take the role of chair of the independent chair of the advisory panel concerning the design and remit of a development agency for Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
All roles on the independent expert advisory panel are being undertaken on an unpaid basis.
The Welsh Government does not normally comment on the content of advice provided by officials to Ministers.
WQ100574 · Tabled · Answered
What is the remuneration for the chair of the independent expert advisory panel concerning the design and remit of the new development agency for Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
All roles on the independent expert advisory panel are being undertaken on an unpaid basis.
The Welsh Government does not normally comment on the content of advice provided by officials to Ministers.
WQ100573 · Tabled · Answered
How many people were interviewed for the role of chair of the expert advisory panel concerning the design and remit of the new economic development agency for Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The chair of the expert advisory panel is an unpaid advisory role and a full public appointment process would neither have been proportionate nor quick enough to ensure we have prompt expert advice to support the establishment of a new development agency. Interviews weren’t conducted for the post, and the appointment was made by the First Minister on the basis of the skills and experience relevant to the role.
WQ100572 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister provide a breakdown of the remuneration awarded to directly appointed individuals and companies for services to Welsh Government since 12 May 2026?
Answered by First Minister
Welsh Government is committed to transparency in its procurement and spending activities.
Information on contracts awarded by Welsh Government, including supplier details, contract values and procurement procedures, is published through the following transparency systems Find a Tender / Sell2Wales: Welcome to Sell2Wales - Sell2Wales
Welsh Government also publishes details of payments over £25,000 made to external organisations, which are available at Welsh Government expenditure over £25,000: 2026 | GOV.WALES
WQ100571 · Tabled · Answered
How many people were interviewed for the role of chair of the independent review into higher education in Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Welsh Government held discussions with eleven people about undertaking the role of chair of the independent review into higher education.
WQ100568 · Tabled · Answered
Was the position of chair for the independent review into higher education in Wales directly appointed?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
We have entered a contract with the chair of the review of higher education for their time, experience, and expert services. This reflects the substantial time commitment that they will be providing to ensure the highest possible quality of output from this review, and that it is delivered within the timescale that we have outlined in the terms of reference.
WQ100567 · Tabled · Answered
How many Ministerial meetings have taken place with Tata Steel UK since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Details of ministerial meetings held are published routinely as part of the Welsh Government’s transparency arrangements.
WQ100566 · Tabled · Answered
How many meetings has the Cabinet Minister had with the Association of British Ports and with the individual operators of Welsh ports since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Details of ministerial meetings held are published routinely as part of the Welsh Government’s transparency arrangements.
WQ100565 · Tabled · No answer published
How many Ministerial meetings have taken place with trade unions concerning Welsh steel since 12 May 2026?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
WQ99194 · Tabled · Answered
What target date has the Welsh Government set for eliminating two-year NHS waiting lists?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Eliminating two-year waits inherited from the previous administration is a top priority for this government and is included within our 100-day plan.
The Welsh Government is taking specific measures to eliminate all two-year waits, with a clinically led focus on treating those waiting the longest first. We need to develop sustainable, transformative solutions that solves long waits.
This approach will be clinically led across the whole pathway and those experts will advise on the delivery.
Alongside the immediate actions, the approach is focused on strengthening long-term elective care capacity. Our elective care plans, that will be backed by an independent review of NHS performance, and the recently announced £145 million, will drive progress.
We have also committed to develop up to 10 new surgical and diagnostic treatment hubs to increase capacity and support the NHS in keeping waiting times down and delivering additional activity.
WQ99048 · Tabled · Answered
How much funding will the Welsh Government allocate in support of Wrexham's 2029 City of Culture bid in the financial years 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
My officials are working closely with Wrexham County Borough Council and the bid team as it prepares a full application for the next stage of the process. This includes discussions on possible financial support.
To date the Welsh Government has allocated £60,000 in 2026/27 towards supporting the development of Wrexham’s application.
WQ99053 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government maintain the local borrowing initiative for road repairs beyond the 2026-27 financial year?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The local government borrowing initiative to accelerate investment in local roads is being delivered as part of current plans. Decisions on such schemes beyond 2026-27 will be considered as part of future budget setting.
WQ99052 · Tabled · Answered
What locations does the Welsh Government propose for developing new surgical hubs?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
A national Elective Care Task and Finish Group has been established to develop a delivery plan (by the end of 2026) for up to ten hubs across Wales. A central part of its remit is to identify the locations of the hubs based on clinically-led evidence.
In doing so, the group will assess population need, current capacity and geographic variation across Wales and consider regional distribution (North, Mid, South East and South West Wales) to ensure equitable access.
The group is also drawing on evidence from wider UK and international best practice to determine how locations can deliver the best outcomes and productivity. This evidence-led approach is intended to ensure that future hub locations maximise access, improve productivity, and genuinely increase overall capacity rather than displacing existing services.
The Welsh Government will confirm the location of the new hubs based on the recommendations of the group.
WQ99051 · Tabled · Answered
How much capital funding has the Welsh Government allocated to the health and care budget in the 2026-27 financial year?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government has allocated £626 million in capital funding to the health and care budget for 2026–27, as set out in the published budget.
WQ99050 · Tabled · Answered
When will the main entrance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital be repaired and reopened?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is currently working with procurement to appoint a contractor to carry out the reinstatement of the main entrance at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. A completion timetable will be confirmed once the contractor has been appointed. As the replacement doors are bespoke, the lead-in time will need to be fully assessed and agreed by the Health Board. All future hospital infrastructure and repair works have to be considered in the context of the £1.4bn NHS Estate maintenance backlog inherited from the previous administration.
WQ99049 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support Wrexham's 2029 City of Culture bid?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The Welsh Government supports Wrexham’s 2029 City of Culture bid and is working closely with the bid team and Council, including on options for financial support. Wrexham deservedly reached the shortlist to be City of Culture in 2025 and is now building on that momentum.
WQ99047 · Tabled · Answered
How many Welsh Government Ministers will be attending this year's National Eisteddfod and International Eisteddfod?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Ministers will attend the National Eisteddfod and the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, as well as a range of other cultural events over the summer, as part of their official duties, reflecting their respective portfolios and responsibilities. Details of individual ministerial engagements will be confirmed in due course.
WQ99046 · Tabled · Answered
How many times have Welsh Government ministers met with Wrexham County Borough Council regarding the 2029 City of Culture bid since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
I look forward to meeting with Wrexham County Borough Council to discuss the 2029 City of Culture bid soon. Since 12 May 2026, officials have continued to engage with Wrexham County Borough Council as it prepares to submit a full application for the 2029 City of Culture competition.
WQ99045 · Tabled · Answered
How many times have Welsh Government ministers met with local authority leaders since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government values the role of local government in providing local leadership to communities and delivering crucial services to people across Wales. Positive and regular engagement with local authorities is a key priority for this Government.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language and the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, separately met the Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council during the Urdd Eisteddfod at the end of May 2026.
The Deputy Minister for Transport plans to meet the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 8 July 2026, the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 16 July, and the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee and the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 5 August 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language met the Leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council in her capacity as WLGA Education Spokesperson on 1 June 2026.
I hosted an introductory meeting with all 22 local authority Leaders on 10 June 2026. I met with the outgoing WLGA Leader on 11 June 2026. I also spoke at the
WLGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18 June 2026, which is attended by 73 members of the WLGA Council, including all 22 local authority Leaders. I also gave a keynote address to local authority Chief Executives and senior local government officers at the SOLACE Conference on 18 June 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Finance met the Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council in his capacity as WLGA Finance Spokesperson on 17 June 2026.
The Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution and I will meet the WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice on 23 June 2026 to discuss policing matters.
I confirmed to Leaders when I met them collectively on 10 June 2026, and at the WLGA AGM on 18 June 2026, that I am committed to meeting them all individually over the coming months and over the Summer, in person where possible, and online where not. I have also committed to an early meeting with the new WLGA Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt, as soon as possible.
WQ99044 · Tabled · Answered
How many times have Welsh Government ministers met with corporate joint committees since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government values the role of local government in providing local leadership to communities and delivering crucial services to people across Wales. Positive and regular engagement with local authorities is a key priority for this Government.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language and the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, separately met the Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council during the Urdd Eisteddfod at the end of May 2026.
The Deputy Minister for Transport plans to meet the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 8 July 2026, the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 16 July, and the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee and the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 5 August 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language met the Leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council in her capacity as WLGA Education Spokesperson on 1 June 2026.
I hosted an introductory meeting with all 22 local authority Leaders on 10 June 2026. I met with the outgoing WLGA Leader on 11 June 2026. I also spoke at the
WLGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18 June 2026, which is attended by 73 members of the WLGA Council, including all 22 local authority Leaders. I also gave a keynote address to local authority Chief Executives and senior local government officers at the SOLACE Conference on 18 June 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Finance met the Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council in his capacity as WLGA Finance Spokesperson on 17 June 2026.
The Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution and I will meet the WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice on 23 June 2026 to discuss policing matters.
I confirmed to Leaders when I met them collectively on 10 June 2026, and at the WLGA AGM on 18 June 2026, that I am committed to meeting them all individually over the coming months and over the Summer, in person where possible, and online where not. I have also committed to an early meeting with the new WLGA Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt, as soon as possible.
WQ99043 · Tabled · Answered
How many MEG and BEL lines apply to each of the Welsh Government portfolios?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Supplementary Budget, scheduled to be published on 23 June, will provide details of the new Main Expenditure Group structure.
WQ99042 · Tabled · Answered
What is the cost to the Welsh Government of the Seren Programme for the 2026-27 financial year, and how many young people are engaged in it?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Welsh Government allocated £2,567,000 to Academi Seren in 2026-27. In recent years, around 24,000 young people have participated in the programme annually.
WQ99041 · Tabled · Answered
How many times have Welsh Government ministers met with Isle of Anglesey County Council since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government values the role of local government in providing local leadership to communities and delivering crucial services to people across Wales. Positive and regular engagement with local authorities is a key priority for this Government.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language and the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, separately met the Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council during the Urdd Eisteddfod at the end of May 2026.
The Deputy Minister for Transport plans to meet the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 8 July 2026, the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 16 July, and the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee and the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 5 August 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language met the Leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council in her capacity as WLGA Education Spokesperson on 1 June 2026.
I hosted an introductory meeting with all 22 local authority Leaders on 10 June 2026. I met with the outgoing WLGA Leader on 11 June 2026. I also spoke at the
WLGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18 June 2026, which is attended by 73 members of the WLGA Council, including all 22 local authority Leaders. I also gave a keynote address to local authority Chief Executives and senior local government officers at the SOLACE Conference on 18 June 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Finance met the Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council in his capacity as WLGA Finance Spokesperson on 17 June 2026.
The Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution and I will meet the WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice on 23 June 2026 to discuss policing matters.
I confirmed to Leaders when I met them collectively on 10 June 2026, and at the WLGA AGM on 18 June 2026, that I am committed to meeting them all individually over the coming months and over the Summer, in person where possible, and online where not. I have also committed to an early meeting with the new WLGA Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt, as soon as possible.
WQ99040 · Tabled · Answered
How many times have Welsh Government ministers met with Newport City Council since 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government values the role of local government in providing local leadership to communities and delivering crucial services to people across Wales. Positive and regular engagement with local authorities is a key priority for this Government.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language and the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, separately met the Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council during the Urdd Eisteddfod at the end of May 2026.
The Deputy Minister for Transport plans to meet the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 8 July 2026, the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 16 July, and the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee and the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 5 August 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language met the Leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council in her capacity as WLGA Education Spokesperson on 1 June 2026.
I hosted an introductory meeting with all 22 local authority Leaders on 10 June 2026. I met with the outgoing WLGA Leader on 11 June 2026. I also spoke at the
WLGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18 June 2026, which is attended by 73 members of the WLGA Council, including all 22 local authority Leaders. I also gave a keynote address to local authority Chief Executives and senior local government officers at the SOLACE Conference on 18 June 2026.
The Cabinet Minister for Finance met the Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council in his capacity as WLGA Finance Spokesperson on 17 June 2026.
The Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution and I will meet the WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice on 23 June 2026 to discuss policing matters.
I confirmed to Leaders when I met them collectively on 10 June 2026, and at the WLGA AGM on 18 June 2026, that I am committed to meeting them all individually over the coming months and over the Summer, in person where possible, and online where not. I have also committed to an early meeting with the new WLGA Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt, as soon as possible.
WQ99039 · Tabled · Answered
How many Welsh Government ministerial meetings have taken place with Scottish Government ministers since 12 May 2026?
Answered by First Minister
Since 12 May 2026, there have been five meetings between Welsh Government Ministers and Scottish Government Ministers.
WQ99038 · Tabled · Answered
How many Welsh Government ministerial meetings have taken place with English metro mayors since 12 May 2026?
Answered by First Minister
Since 12 May 2026, there have been no meetings between Welsh Ministers and English metro mayors.
WQ99037 · Tabled · Answered
How many Welsh Government ministerial meetings have taken place with UK Government ministers since 12 May 2026?
Answered by First Minister
Since 12 May 2026, there have been thirteen meetings involving Welsh Government Ministers and UK Government Ministers. In our initial conversation following the election, the Prime Minister proposed an in-person meeting in June. It is disappointing that such a meeting was not able to take place and that the Prime Minister's resignation announcement makes it unlikely that any meaningful engagement at this level will be practically possible until after the summer.
WQ99021 · Tabled · Answered
How much unallocated revenue and capital funding was available in the Welsh Government budget for the 2026/27 financial year on 12 May 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
As of 12 May 2026, there was £420m unallocated revenue and £118m unallocated capital of which £3m is ringfenced for financial transactions available in the Welsh Government’s budget for the 2026-27 financial year. This does not include any funds available to be carried forward in the Wales Reserve which is subject to confirmation of the 2025-26 underspend.
WQ98987 · Tabled · Answered
What changes is the Cabinet Minister considering to the habitat requirements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I will work with the farming community and others to evolve the Sustainable Farming Scheme so it makes sense economically and environmentally for farmers to join. I will be considering all aspects of the scheme, before bringing forward any potential changes.
WQ98986 · Tabled · Answered
What proposals does the Welsh Government have to redevelop Wrexham Maelor Hospital?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
My officials are working with Betsi Cadwaladr, Cardiff and Vale and Hywel Dda University Health Boards to understand and develop the long-term plans for their acute hospital sites. These proposals (which will utilise the HM Treasury 5 Case Business model), will need to be driven and supported by well-articulated clinical strategies for the delivery of healthcare to their residents.
In the meantime, officials are working with the Health Boards to prioritise the highest risk estate elements of each site to ensure services continue to be delivered in a safe and appropriate way.
The case for new or redeveloped hospital infrastructure will have to be considered within the context of an extremely challenging fiscal environment, and a substantial NHS Estate maintenance backlog inherited from the previous Welsh Government. As a result of the latest UK Government Spending Review, the Welsh Government’s capital budget is due to decrease by 2.2% in real terms in 2027/28, and by around 9% over the course of this Senedd term. We will continue to press the UK Government for an improvement in our capital budget position, especially as we look ahead to the next Spending Review in 2027.
WQ98985 · Tabled · Answered
What proposals does the Welsh Government have for developing the University Hospital of Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
My officials are working with Betsi Cadwaladr, Cardiff and Vale and Hywel Dda University Health Boards to understand and develop the long-term plans for their acute hospital sites. These proposals (which will utilise the HM Treasury 5 Case Business model), will need to be driven and supported by well-articulated clinical strategies for the delivery of healthcare to their residents.
In the meantime, officials are working with the Health Boards to prioritise the highest risk estate elements of each site to ensure services continue to be delivered in a safe and appropriate way.
The case for new or redeveloped hospital infrastructure will have to be considered within the context of an extremely challenging fiscal environment, and a substantial NHS Estate maintenance backlog inherited from the previous Welsh Government. As a result of the latest UK Government Spending Review, the Welsh Government’s capital budget is due to decrease by 2.2% in real terms in 2027/28, and by around 9% over the course of this Senedd term. We will continue to press the UK Government for an improvement in our capital budget position, especially as we look ahead to the next Spending Review in 2027.
WQ98984 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to build a new hospital in west Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
My officials are working with Betsi Cadwaladr, Cardiff and Vale and Hywel Dda University Health Boards to understand and develop the long-term plans for their acute hospital sites. These proposals (which will utilise the HM Treasury 5 Case Business model), will need to be driven and supported by well-articulated clinical strategies for the delivery of healthcare to their residents.
In the meantime, officials are working with the Health Boards to prioritise the highest risk estate elements of each site to ensure services continue to be delivered in a safe and appropriate way.
The case for new or redeveloped hospital infrastructure will have to be considered within the context of an extremely challenging fiscal environment, and a substantial NHS Estate maintenance backlog inherited from the previous Welsh Government. As a result of the latest UK Government Spending Review, the Welsh Government’s capital budget is due to decrease by 2.2% in real terms in 2027/28, and by around 9% over the course of this Senedd term. We will continue to press the UK Government for an improvement in our capital budget position, especially as we look ahead to the next Spending Review in 2027.
WQ98983 · Tabled · Answered
When will the Welsh Government publish the road resilience studies concerning the A494, A55 and M4?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
We are planning to publish the A55, A494 and A483 Transport Needs and Resilience Review during summer/autumn 2026 and the M4 Resilience Study is planned to be published in the New Year.
The above full corridor studies are separate from the focussed activity currently underway on the Menai Crossing and the M4 around Newport.
WQ98982 · Tabled · Answered
What written representations has the Welsh Government made to the UK Government in its consultation on the proposal to ban trail hunting in England and Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Defra’s consultation on Proposals to Prohibit Trail Hunting in England and Wales opened on 26 March and closes on 18 June. No written representations have been made by this or the previous government however my officials are in regular contact with those in Defra on this issue. I look forward to reviewing the outcome of the consultation and Defra’s proposals to legislate.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.