Siambr · Lynne Neagle
Written questions
88 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 2.
WQ101005 · Tabled · No answer published
What action is the Welsh Government taking to prevent men dying by suicide?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ100972 · Tabled · Answered
When will the Cabinet Minister publish a service specification for early intervention eating disorder services?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We are committed to improving mental health support, including for eating disorders. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee commissions specialist services on behalf of health boards and will hold specific data on the number of placements. This information is not held by the Welsh Government. Whilst there are currently no specialist eating disorder inpatient units in Wales, the JCC ensures access to specialist beds when needed.
To ensure we have inpatient provision to meet future needs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) have been commissioned to undertake work on the feasibility of intensive community day treatment and inpatient services, liaising with the JCC. RCPsych have also worked with Beat in a survey of experiences of intensive community and day services, and this is being used as part of the modelling exercise. They are expected to report on this work to Welsh Government in the autumn.
NHS Performance and Improvement has also been commissioned to develop a new Adult Mental Health Clinical Plan, which will include same-day access, the modernisation of community mental health services, and action to prevent avoidable escalation to inpatient care, while ensuring timely access to high-quality inpatient services for those whose needs require it.
A feasibility exercise with Health Boards to implement the National Early Intervention Eating Disorder Service draft service specification has also been carried out. The report of this work will be taken to the Strategic Programme for Mental Health Board with publication to take place after this.
WQ100970 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister holding NHS Wales Performance and Improvement to account for delivering improvements in eating disorder services in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government's 2026-27 remit letter to NHS Performance and Improvement sets out the priorities, objectives and delivery expectations for NHSWPI, including its role in supporting improvement, reducing unwarranted variation and providing assurance on the delivery of national priorities across NHS Wales. NHSWPI is required to provide operational oversight, performance assurance and improvement support to health boards and trusts, reporting progress against agreed priorities to Welsh Government.
In addition, the NHS Wales Accountability and Support Framework establishes NHSWPI as the principal operational assurance interface between Welsh Government and NHS organisations. The framework requires NHSWPI to coordinate evidence, assess performance and support improvement across a range of areas, including quality, workforce, finance and delivery. Welsh Government receives assurance through structured accountability meetings, performance reporting and the tripartite arrangements involving Welsh Government, NHSWPI, Audit Wales and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.
In relation to eating disorder services, NHSWPI supports health boards in delivering national improvement priorities, monitors progress through established performance and quality arrangements, and provides expert improvement support where required. Welsh Government receives ongoing assurance through these arrangements and can require additional oversight, recovery actions or support where improvements are not being delivered at the pace required.
WQ100961 · Tabled · Answered
What stakeholder engagement will the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee undertake in taking forward the eating disorder inpatient and intensive community day treatment feasibility study?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We are committed to improving mental health support, including for eating disorders. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee commissions specialist services on behalf of health boards and will hold specific data on the number of placements. This information is not held by the Welsh Government. Whilst there are currently no specialist eating disorder inpatient units in Wales, the JCC ensures access to specialist beds when needed.
To ensure we have inpatient provision to meet future needs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) have been commissioned to undertake work on the feasibility of intensive community day treatment and inpatient services, liaising with the JCC. RCPsych have also worked with Beat in a survey of experiences of intensive community and day services, and this is being used as part of the modelling exercise. They are expected to report on this work to Welsh Government in the autumn.
NHS Performance and Improvement has also been commissioned to develop a new Adult Mental Health Clinical Plan, which will include same-day access, the modernisation of community mental health services, and action to prevent avoidable escalation to inpatient care, while ensuring timely access to high-quality inpatient services for those whose needs require it.
A feasibility exercise with Health Boards to implement the National Early Intervention Eating Disorder Service draft service specification has also been carried out. The report of this work will be taken to the Strategic Programme for Mental Health Board with publication to take place after this.
WQ100960 · Tabled · Answered
How many patients from Wales have been admitted to specialist eating disorder inpatient beds outside Wales in the last 12 months?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We are committed to improving mental health support, including for eating disorders. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee commissions specialist services on behalf of health boards and will hold specific data on the number of placements. This information is not held by the Welsh Government. Whilst there are currently no specialist eating disorder inpatient units in Wales, the JCC ensures access to specialist beds when needed.
To ensure we have inpatient provision to meet future needs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) have been commissioned to undertake work on the feasibility of intensive community day treatment and inpatient services, liaising with the JCC. RCPsych have also worked with Beat in a survey of experiences of intensive community and day services, and this is being used as part of the modelling exercise. They are expected to report on this work to Welsh Government in the autumn.
NHS Performance and Improvement has also been commissioned to develop a new Adult Mental Health Clinical Plan, which will include same-day access, the modernisation of community mental health services, and action to prevent avoidable escalation to inpatient care, while ensuring timely access to high-quality inpatient services for those whose needs require it.
A feasibility exercise with Health Boards to implement the National Early Intervention Eating Disorder Service draft service specification has also been carried out. The report of this work will be taken to the Strategic Programme for Mental Health Board with publication to take place after this.
WQ100959 · Tabled · Answered
How many specialist eating disorder inpatient beds are there currently in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We are committed to improving mental health support, including for eating disorders. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee commissions specialist services on behalf of health boards and will hold specific data on the number of placements. This information is not held by the Welsh Government. Whilst there are currently no specialist eating disorder inpatient units in Wales, the JCC ensures access to specialist beds when needed.
To ensure we have inpatient provision to meet future needs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) have been commissioned to undertake work on the feasibility of intensive community day treatment and inpatient services, liaising with the JCC. RCPsych have also worked with Beat in a survey of experiences of intensive community and day services, and this is being used as part of the modelling exercise. They are expected to report on this work to Welsh Government in the autumn.
NHS Performance and Improvement has also been commissioned to develop a new Adult Mental Health Clinical Plan, which will include same-day access, the modernisation of community mental health services, and action to prevent avoidable escalation to inpatient care, while ensuring timely access to high-quality inpatient services for those whose needs require it.
A feasibility exercise with Health Boards to implement the National Early Intervention Eating Disorder Service draft service specification has also been carried out. The report of this work will be taken to the Strategic Programme for Mental Health Board with publication to take place after this.
WQ100949 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Cabinet Minister expect the Wales Joint Commissioning Committee to publish the eating disorder inpatient and intensive community day treatment feasibility study?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We are committed to improving mental health support, including for eating disorders. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee commissions specialist services on behalf of health boards and will hold specific data on the number of placements. This information is not held by the Welsh Government. Whilst there are currently no specialist eating disorder inpatient units in Wales, the JCC ensures access to specialist beds when needed.
To ensure we have inpatient provision to meet future needs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) have been commissioned to undertake work on the feasibility of intensive community day treatment and inpatient services, liaising with the JCC. RCPsych have also worked with Beat in a survey of experiences of intensive community and day services, and this is being used as part of the modelling exercise. They are expected to report on this work to Welsh Government in the autumn.
NHS Performance and Improvement has also been commissioned to develop a new Adult Mental Health Clinical Plan, which will include same-day access, the modernisation of community mental health services, and action to prevent avoidable escalation to inpatient care, while ensuring timely access to high-quality inpatient services for those whose needs require it.
A feasibility exercise with Health Boards to implement the National Early Intervention Eating Disorder Service draft service specification has also been carried out. The report of this work will be taken to the Strategic Programme for Mental Health Board with publication to take place after this.
WQ100910 · Tabled · Answered
What is the timescale for completing research on young carers in education announced in the decision report of 30 June?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government is progressing further research on young carers’ experiences in education. We expect the findings to be published in summer 2027. The research builds on previously published findings around young carers’ health, wellbeing and school life, which was published by Welsh Government and based on analysis of the School Health Network Survey.
WQ100909 · Tabled · Answered
What is the timescale for developing supporting regulations and guidance following the decision report of 25 August 2026 on the Children Not in School provisions under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Work to develop the policy that underpins the Children not in School provisions in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 has begun and will continue to be undertaken over the next year. All guidance underpinning the provisions will be subject to public consultation prior to the making of and bringing into force of the regulations.
WQ100908 · Tabled · Answered
When will the Cabinet Minister publish new school exclusions guidance?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The guidance on Exclusion from Schools and Pupil Referral Units will be reviewed over the next year as part of our commitment to develop an integrated framework for behaviour, attendance and wellbeing. Further announcements on the framework and associated guidance will be made in due course.
WQ100907 · Tabled · Answered
When will the evaluation of the Welsh Government's junior apprenticeship programme be completed ?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I have recently agreed the specification for an independent evaluation of the Junior Apprenticeship programme which will inform the future expansion of the programme. A procurement process is currently underway and, subject to the successful appointment of a contractor, the evaluation is expected to conclude in Spring 2027.
WQ100854 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Welsh Government plan to secure the workforce needed to deliver the childcare offer?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Expansion of the workforce is central to delivery of childcare expansion. We will grow and develop the workforce in partnership with local authorities, sector stakeholders and childcare settings.
A Workforce Plan is being developed in collaboration with partners and the Childcare Expert Steering Group.
The Plan will be published in November and will outline the actions to be taken to support and grow the workforce.
WQ100855 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to ensure that families entitled to the 20-hour childcare offer will not be disadvantaged in securing places compared to those entitled to 30 hours?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The universal 20-hour entitlement will operate alongside the existing offer of up to 30 hours, with implementation designed to ensure families are not disadvantaged when seeking a place. We will work with local authorities and providers to plan for demand and capacity and support fair access for all eligible families.
WQ100847 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government ensuring the voices of those with lived experience of the recent wildfires are included at the wildfire summit on the 22 October 2026?
Answered by First Minister
Summit participants will comprise public agencies responsible for preventing and responding to wildfires, as well as representatives of farmers, foresters, landowners and common landowners. These include individuals who personally experienced wildfires this summer.
The agenda, papers and minutes of the summit will be published after the event.
WQ100845 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government publish the agenda of the wildfire summit planned for 22 October 2026?
Answered by First Minister
Summit participants will comprise public agencies responsible for preventing and responding to wildfires, as well as representatives of farmers, foresters, landowners and common landowners. These include individuals who personally experienced wildfires this summer.
The agenda, papers and minutes of the summit will be published after the event.
WQ100844 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government publish the attendees of the wildfire summit planned for 22 October 2026?
Answered by First Minister
Summit participants will comprise public agencies responsible for preventing and responding to wildfires, as well as representatives of farmers, foresters, landowners and common landowners. These include individuals who personally experienced wildfires this summer.
The agenda, papers and minutes of the summit will be published after the event.
WQ100602 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Government be reviewing the permitted burning season of grassland following the wildfires across Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
In response to the wildfires experienced across Wales this year, the First Minister is convening a Wildfire Summit on 22 October, bringing together key partners and stakeholders to consider how Wales can strengthen its approach to wildfire prevention, preparedness and response.
This will be an opportunity to discuss all the measures currently in place to minimise the risk of wildfires including the burning season and help identify what we can do to help reduce the risk.
WQ100359 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Cabinet Minister expect the All-Wales Paediatric Waiting Lists Task and Finish Group to complete its work and report to him?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The All-Wales Paediatric Waiting List Task and Finish Group has been established to inform future improvements in the management of children’s waiting lists and access standards across NHS Wales. I expect the Group to conclude its work and report to Ministers by the end of the financial year.
WQ100441 · Tabled · Answered
What contingency plans are in place to ensure the continuity of services at the Wales Fertility Institute?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The absence of a key staff member meant the Wales Fertility Institute at Neath Port Talbot Hospital was unable to meet regulatory requirements. As a result, the commencement of new In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatments was paused temporarily. We fully sympathise with the anxiety this has caused amongst patients, and we welcome the fact that the immediate workforce issue affecting the service has now been resolved, enabling planning to start for the resumption of the service on a phased basis from 22 September 2026.
Swansea Bay University Health Board is working closely with the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee and the HFEA to ensure the safe continuation and resumption of services and has implemented a range of contingency measures while interim oversight arrangements were established. The pause has not affected storage of embryos and gametes. Throughout the pause, patients who had already commenced treatment continued to receive care, where clinically appropriate.
In addition, work to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the service, both within the Health Board and in conjunction with the Joint Commissioning Committee, will continue beyond the short term.
The Health Board has started contacting affected patients to confirm the next steps in their treatment pathway and has made counselling and wellbeing support available where required.
WQ100440 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister set out which services are currently paused at the Wales Fertility Institute?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The absence of a key staff member meant the Wales Fertility Institute at Neath Port Talbot Hospital was unable to meet regulatory requirements. As a result, the commencement of new In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatments was paused temporarily. We fully sympathise with the anxiety this has caused amongst patients, and we welcome the fact that the immediate workforce issue affecting the service has now been resolved, enabling planning to start for the resumption of the service on a phased basis from 22 September 2026.
Swansea Bay University Health Board is working closely with the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee and the HFEA to ensure the safe continuation and resumption of services and has implemented a range of contingency measures while interim oversight arrangements were established. The pause has not affected storage of embryos and gametes. Throughout the pause, patients who had already commenced treatment continued to receive care, where clinically appropriate.
In addition, work to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the service, both within the Health Board and in conjunction with the Joint Commissioning Committee, will continue beyond the short term.
The Health Board has started contacting affected patients to confirm the next steps in their treatment pathway and has made counselling and wellbeing support available where required.
WQ100293 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Government have to allocate funding for nature recovery to areas affected by wildfires this summer?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government recognises the significant impact that wildfires can have on biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem resilience. The implications of this summer’s wildfires on nature will be considered as part of the Wildfire Summit being convened by the First Minister in October.
The Welsh Government continues to invest in nature recovery through programmes such as Nature Networks, Ffermio Bro and the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme, supporting habitat restoration, improving the condition of protected sites and strengthening ecosystem resilience. This investment will help affected landscapes recover and become more resilient to future wildfire events.
WQ100285 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm on what date the Welsh Government’s wildfire summit will be held?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Prif Weinidog will convene a summit on 22 October.
WQ100243 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions did Welsh Government Ministers have with the UK Government about the emergency alert that was issued on Friday 14 August?
Answered by First Minister
The Emergency Alert system is non-devolved, therefore its operation is a matter for the UK Government’s Cabinet Office.
WQ100241 · Tabled · Answered
How many cabinet meetings and cabinet ministerial calls have been held since the start of Senedd recess and on what dates?
Answered by First Minister
Four Cabinet ministerial calls have been scheduled over the recess period.
WQ100083 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99255 and WQ99257, what discussions has the Welsh Government had with NHS Wales Performance and Improvement to assist them in supporting Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to deliver the quality statement for mental health?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Substantive response
WQ100027 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Welsh Government intend to begin its review of the learner travel Measure?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
As a Government we have committed in our First 100 Days programme to begin a review of the Learner Travel Measure, with a particular focus on improving access to Welsh-medium education. This work has already begun and will feed into a consultation on the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh later this year.
We will take early action where improvements can be made, including updating guidance for local authorities and considering the findings of our review, while ensuring any changes are practical, affordable and deliver better outcomes for learners.
WQ100014 · Tabled · Answered
What funding has been allocated to local authorities for the new programme to roll out libraries across primary schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I am committed to ensuring that every primary school in Wales has a library space, giving children access to a dedicated environment for reading in both Welsh and English by 2030.
In order to understand the level of investment required, officials will be working with local authorities over the coming months to ensure that every primary school in Wales receives the right level of support for this commitment.
School libraries will support wider efforts to improve literacy outcomes and encourage reading for pleasure.
WQ100013 · Tabled · Answered
Which local authorities will be ready to provide free school meals to all year 7 and 8 pupils from households in receipt of universal credit from the start of September?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
In line with my Written Statement, local authorities are currently preparing for delivery and further details will be shared in due course.
WQ99862 · Tabled · Answered
What action does the Cabinet Minister intend to take to ensure young people aged 16 -19 are not on waiting lists for FE courses by September?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Welsh Government recognises that FE colleges are experiencing challenges due to significant increases in learner numbers in recent years and are forecasting further increases in the 2026/27 academic year, with some colleges reporting potential waiting lists.
Medr has taken steps to mitigate the pressures, including through the allocation of additional funding, providing greater flexibility across funding for colleges to meet the potential demand, and capital allocations.
Welsh Government and Medr are monitoring the position closely, and we will consider providing additional funding should it be available as part of our wider consideration of the overall government budget position.
WQ99860 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of whether Medr will be in breach of section 93 of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 if young people aged 16 - 19 on waiting lists for further education are not able to enroll on suitable courses by September?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Welsh Government recognises that FE colleges are experiencing challenges due to significant increases in learner numbers in recent years and are forecasting further increases in the 2026/27 academic year, with some colleges reporting potential waiting lists.
Medr has taken steps to mitigate the pressures, including through the allocation of additional funding, providing greater flexibility across funding for colleges to meet the potential demand, and capital allocations.
Welsh Government and Medr are monitoring the position closely, and we will consider providing additional funding should it be available as part of our wider consideration of the overall government budget position.
WQ99859 · Tabled · Answered
How much money has been allocated to establish and operate the Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
As noted in my Written Statement of 15 July, I have currently set aside £45,000 from Creative Wales’ budget in 2026-27 to fund activity related to the establishment of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales.
WQ99636 · Tabled · Answered
When will the new guidance on generally available provision in schools be ready for consultation following the ALN legislative review?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Options are under consideration to improve the clarity and consistency of the Additional Learning Needs system. This will include any decision on guidance and consultation arrangements.
WQ99767 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to commissioning a review of deaths of care leavers?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The death of any care-experienced young person is deeply distressing for all people concerned. The Welsh Government recognises the importance of ensuring that appropriate lessons are identified and shared from the deaths of care-experienced children and young people.
A number of existing arrangements provide mechanisms through which individual deaths may be considered. The Child Death Review Programme collects and analyses information on all deaths of children in Wales and of Welsh-resident children who die elsewhere. The Procedural Response to Unexpected Death in Childhood sets a minimum standard for responding to unexpected deaths in infancy and childhood. In addition, where the relevant criteria are met, the Single Unified Safeguarding Review process provides a single, proportionate mechanism for reviewing the most serious incidents, including deaths of care-experienced young people.
However, we acknowledge that there is not currently a single national mechanism that systematically captures or reviews all deaths of care-experienced young people or aggregates learning from those deaths. The Welsh Government also does not routinely collect comprehensive national data on the number of deaths of all care leavers. In light of this, I will consider how information about the deaths of care leavers is collected and considered nationally.
WQ99766 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Welsh Government monitor the number of deaths of care leavers?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government does not currently maintain a central register of deaths of care leavers or routinely collect comprehensive national data on the number of deaths of all care leavers. There is also no expectation in Wales that local authorities notify Welsh Ministers of the death of a care leaver, although this does not preclude local authorities from collecting this information locally.
There are, however, a number of statutory notification and review arrangements through which information about the deaths of care-experienced children and young people may be considered. Section 125 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities to notify Welsh Ministers of the death of a child who is looked after. Local authorities are also required to notify Care Inspectorate Wales of deaths of looked after children and deaths of young people in continuing care or receiving aftercare. Registered providers also have statutory notification duties in relation to deaths.
For children under the age of 18, the Child Death Review Programme collects and analyses information on child deaths in Wales and of Welsh-resident children who die elsewhere. Where the relevant criteria are met, the Single Unified Safeguarding Review process may also apply to the deaths of care-experienced young people.
These arrangements help support inspection, assurance, oversight and learning in relation to deaths of care-experienced children and young people.
WQ99765 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Cabinet Minister have to ensure that all young people who go missing from home are offered a return home interview?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Wales Safeguarding Procedures Project Board has recently consulted across sectors on the revised All Wales Practice Guide: Safeguarding Children who go Missing from Home or Care. The Guide will be finalised during the Summer and added to the Wales Safeguarding Procedures website once approved by the six Regional Safeguarding Boards in Wales.
The revised Guide emphasises the need for every child to be offered the opportunity to meet a trusted adult of their choosing after they have been reported as missing and returned. The child may choose to meet a foster carer, parent, police officer, social worker or if available in their area, a worker from a commissioned missing children service that is independent of other agencies. Across Wales, differently terminology is used to describe this meeting with a child – Return Home Interviews is one of those terms.
The most important issue is that all children are offered the opportunity to meet a trusted adult of their choosing, that the venue for this meeting is chosen by the child and that the reasons behind them going missing from home or care are explored by the trusted adult with the aim of preventing this from happening again.
The revised Guide includes a section that provides advice to all professionals about how they should undertake this meeting with the child. The previous version of the Guide did not include this. The new Guide also separates out the response to children who go missing from their homes from the response to children who are looked after who go missing from home or care as this may entail other processes such as notifying Care Inspectorate Wales.
Six months following the publication of the Guide, the Welsh Government will undertake engagement with professionals, parents, carers and children who have experienced an episode of going missing, to test how effectively the Guide has been implemented and provide much needed information for us to determine next steps.
Further work will take place in the interim to map the offer of provision for children who go missing from home or care across Wales and how this is funded and to bring together a core multi-agency data set relating to missing children, with the aim of better understanding the picture and the next steps that may be required.
WQ99764 · Tabled · Answered
What action does the Cabinet Minister intend to take to improve ALN advocacy in Wales following Gareth Morgans‘ landscape review of ALN Advocacy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
We are committed to ensuring that children, young people, parents and carers can access the information, advice and advocacy they need to navigate the ALN system and make informed choices about support.
The advocacy review provides a valuable assessment of current information, advice and advocacy arrangements. We are carefully considering the findings to inform next steps. Members will be updated when the review is published.
WQ99763 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish the findings of the ALN Advocacy review undertaken by Gareth Morgans?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
We are committed to ensuring that children, young people, parents and carers can access the information, advice and advocacy they need to navigate the ALN system and make informed choices about support.
The advocacy review provides a valuable assessment of current information, advice and advocacy arrangements. We are carefully considering the findings to inform next steps. Members will be updated when the review is published.
WQ99762 · Tabled · Answered
What action will the Cabinet Minister take to respond to Audit Wales report on General Medical Services (GMS) contract challenges in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I welcome the Audit Wales report and the clarity it provides on the circumstances in which Aneurin Bevan University Health Board historically awarded and managed a number of General Medical Services contracts. The Health Board has accepted the findings and is strengthening its commissioning, due diligence and contract monitoring arrangements in response.
Welsh Government officials have reviewed the findings and are updating national guidance on vacant practice arrangements and GMS contract oversight to reflect the lessons identified by the report. This will help ensure arrangements remain robust, proportionate and consistent across Wales.
WQ99747 · Tabled · Answered
Further to the statement by the Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education on 14 July 2026, will the Welsh Government give an undertaking that the forthcoming review of higher education funding will ensure that equitable maintenance support for part-time students is protected?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of ensuring that students, including those studying part-time, are able to access the support they need to participate in and succeed in higher education. The forthcoming review of higher education funding will be wide-ranging. It will consider how students are supported to access and succeed in higher education in Wales, including the maintenance support available to both full-time and part-time students. The detailed scope of the review will be set out in its terms of reference, which will be published shortly as part of our 100 days commitment to commission this review.
WQ99677 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister monitoring the expenditure and outcomes of the £2 million extra funding for post-16 mental health allocated to Medr by the previous Government?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Welsh Government officials meet with Medr colleagues on a monthly basis to discuss progress on learner wellbeing arrangements across the tertiary sector, including mental health. Medr receives annual wellbeing and health funding monitoring reports from providers and will share analysis with officials when they receive the reports.
Medr is subject to in-year monitoring of its overall finances, and relevant policy officials monitor expenditure against ring-fenced funding allocations.
WQ99676 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with Medr about the mental health of young people in further eduction?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Medr continues to support the National Student Mental Health Partnership Programme. Future years will include rolling out the model pioneered by the Mental Health University Liaison Service. The Cabinet Minister has not yet met Medr about the project, but officials meet with Medr on a regular basis.
While Medr has operational responsibility, the Welsh Government expects all learners across the tertiary sector to be able to access appropriate mental health and wellbeing support. We will continue working with Medr and health partners to support effective delivery across Wales.
Both the Cabinet Minister and the Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education will engage regularly with Medr on learner wellbeing, including mental health in further education. Officials have emphasised the importance of appropriate support and a whole-college approach, with Medr expected to work with colleges and partners to improve learner outcomes.
WQ99675 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister monitoring Medr’s roll-out of the Mental Health University Liaison Project?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Medr continues to support the National Student Mental Health Partnership Programme. Future years will include rolling out the model pioneered by the Mental Health University Liaison Service. The Cabinet Minister has not yet met Medr about the project, but officials meet with Medr on a regular basis.
While Medr has operational responsibility, the Welsh Government expects all learners across the tertiary sector to be able to access appropriate mental health and wellbeing support. We will continue working with Medr and health partners to support effective delivery across Wales.
Both the Cabinet Minister and the Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education will engage regularly with Medr on learner wellbeing, including mental health in further education. Officials have emphasised the importance of appropriate support and a whole-college approach, with Medr expected to work with colleges and partners to improve learner outcomes.
WQ99641 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Cabinet Minister intend to bring forward the consultation on regulations to implement the children not in school provisions of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I recognise the importance of these provisions, and I am carefully considering the most effective approach to implementation, looking at our work on both children not in school and children missing education. Further information on next steps, including any consultation on secondary legislation, will be provided in once those considerations are complete.
WQ99640 · Tabled · Answered
When will the new section 5 safeguarding guidance be published?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Section 5 of the Wales Safeguarding Procedures sets out the arrangements for managing concerns and allegations relating to professionals, staff and volunteers. The revised Section 5 procedures were published on the Wales Safeguarding Procedures website on 1 July 2026.
To support implementation of the revised procedures, an interactive e-learning course has been developed in partnership with Social Care Wales. The training resource provides an overview of the updated procedures, key definitions and practice-based learning examples. It is designed to support professionals and volunteers across all sectors in understanding their roles and responsibilities in managing concerns and allegations appropriately and consistently.
WQ99639 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on plans to move all Level 1 TAs to Level 2 in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Welsh Government is continuing to work with the Welsh Local Government Association and local authorities to support the transition of Level 1 teaching assistants to Level 2 from September 2026.
WQ99638 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Cabinet Minister intend to bring forward legislation to create a school support staff negotiating body as set out in the Strategic Education Workforce Plan?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
As I explained during the debate on this matter on 10 June, I remain committed to working with employers, trade unions and the wider education workforce to ensure school staff are supported and valued in their roles. I am open to considering all options as part of the next phase of work, including exploring what we could do without legislation to make a difference more quickly.
My officials are working with our social partners to scope the options to determine the best way forward.
WQ99637 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the timescales for bringing forward a revised Code of Practice under the Additional Learning Needs and Tribunal Act (Wales)?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Our focus is on supporting children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) to thrive in education.. New sector guidance and a parent toolkit were published earlier this year, and we are reviewing the impact of this guidance and further areas that may require clarification.
Any revisions to the code are required to be consulted on, in line with the requirements set out in the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, and an appropriate timetable set out in that circumstance.
I will update on next steps in due course.
WQ99635 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister set out the timescale for the publication of revised Supporting Learners with Healthcare Needs guidance?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government has completed a review of the current Supporting Learners with Healthcare Needs guidance and work is underway to consider the introduction of an integrated statutory guidance for children and young people with healthcare needs in maintained schools.
As this work is at an early stage and is subject to further policy development and stakeholder engagement, we are not yet in a position to confirm a timescale for the publication of revised guidance.
In the meantime, schools and local authorities should continue to have regard to the existing statutory guidance to ensure learners with healthcare needs receive appropriate support.
WQ99634 · Tabled · Answered
Following the First Minister’s claim during First Minister's Questions on 7 July 2026 that the previous Government had overspent by hundreds of millions of pounds, will the Minister publish a list of overspends by BEL including the amounts of any overspends?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
An analysis of spend against budget by previous administrations is published annually by the Welsh Government in the Report on Outturn. The report contains details of variances against budget, with explanations for material underspends and any overspends, as well as a BEL level variance analysis. The 2025-26 report will be published following audit completion and sign-off of the annual accounts which is planned for early December. A link to previous years Reports on Outturn, including the BEL analysis, can be found on the Welsh Government internet site (link below):
Outturn reports | GOV.WALES
In considering the financial position inherited by the current administration, it is important to note the wider context of pressures across the public sector. The recently published 2025-26 NHS Wales Health Board accounts confirmed that six of the seven local health boards reported deficits totalling £200m.
For 2026-27, NHS bodies are reporting a net deficit of £333m – to reach this position they will need to make savings of £312m, only a portion of which they are currently confident of delivering. This deficit is contributing to the inherited financial position of the Welsh Government which included other pressures primarily within the Transport budget.
WQ99433 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with the UK Government regarding plan 2 student loan thresholds?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
There have been no ministerial discussions with the UK Government regarding the Plan 2 repayment threshold. Discussions continue at official level.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.