64 contributions on record. Newest first, by sitting day. Page 1 of 2. Counted by Siambr
4. Sut mae'r Prif Weinidog yn hyrwyddo cydweithrediad ac yn meithrin cysylltiadau cryfach rhwng Cymru a gweddill y Deyrnas Unedig? OQ64843
4. How is the First Minister promoting cooperation and building stronger links between Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom? OQ64843
Thank you for your response, First Minister, and I was pleased to see you at the National Economic Council in Glasgow as well. I'm sure you entered into those discussions with a genuinely open mind, because it's clear from the people of Wales, First Minister, that people want close collaboration within the United Kingdom, not just to drive growth, but because they understand the deep, long-held links we have, and because we want to see Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland work together for an ambitious future. This seems at odds, First Minister, with your separatist summit held with the leaders of Sinn Féin and the Scottish National Party here in Cardiff just a couple of months ago, where you spent time plotting to break up our United Kingdom—completely the opposite to promoting co-operation and building the stronger links that the people of Wales want to see. It is clear that Plaid Cymru’s plans to sever those crucial economic, cultural and human links that Wales has with the rest of the UK would be disastrous for Wales. So, First Minister, I'll ask you now: what plans do you have to listen to the people of Wales and strengthen Wales's future inside the United Kingdom?
Cabinet Minister, I heard your response to Lynne Neagle a moment ago, rightfully outlining the challenge around NEETs, but you need to acknowledge that there's a particular problem here in Wales. In England, the numbers have actually dropped in the last 12 months to 13.3 per cent, whereas, in Wales, numbers have shot up to 17 per cent of 16 to 25-year-olds not in work, training or education. It's vitally important that we get those young people into those positions as quickly as possible. As you know, Jobs Growth Wales+ makes a big difference in that, and you do have already the policy levers to be able to make a difference in this area, and it's about prioritising whether or not you think it's an important matter for you to tackle. I think in particular, in my own constituency of Fflint Wrecsam, that Coleg Cambria run a fantastic summer school with Jobs Growth Wales+, where 100 young people took part in that summer school—a record number so far. So, Cabinet Minister, will you commit today, for the sake of the 16 to 25-year-olds, to ensuring that this is a priority and that you do use the policy levers you already have to ensure that young people have a fighting chance?
Thank you, Cabinet Minister, for advance sight of your statement here today, and for a briefing with your officials earlier today as well. Of course, it's the first piece of legislation that this new Government has laid so far in this Senedd, and I appreciate Members may not be clamouring for passionate debates on this particular Bill here today, but I think both the letter and the spirit of what is being intended is really important to understand.
In your statement a few moments ago, the words that you used were that this Bill
'delivers a package of narrowly targeted technical and administrative changes'
to the relevant Welsh tax Acts. This seems slightly at odds with the First Minister's statements in July, when he described this Bill as continuing Wales's tax devolution journey. And I was a little surprised to hear your second sentence today say that
'this package of changes represents the next stage in Wales's tax devolution journey.'
So, I wonder if you'll be able to respond in a moment to outline how you see the spirit of this Bill. Is it, as you opened up by saying, the next stage in Wales's tax devolution journey, or is it, as you later described, a package of narrowly targeted technical and administrative changes? I think understanding the spirit of this is important to understand how you see the future of taxation and taxation Bills here in Wales.
I wanted to pick up the point that Huw Thomas mentioned in regards to some of these savings. I had the joy of reading through the RIA recently as well and noted some of the potential savings that this Bill will produce—or efficiencies, whatever word you'd like to use. But I wonder if you could respond as to your expectations as to how any savings may be used. Would it be to reinvest in similar services or similar pressure points within Government, or would you expect that saving to be used elsewhere within Government? Because, of course, delivering on value for money is an important part of your role here in the Welsh Government.
Also, Cabinet Minister, I’ll pick up a point that Cai Parry-Jones mentioned in regard to unannounced inspections. Forgive me if you responded specifically on this, but I'm not sure that I heard it. I wonder if you are able to clarify my understanding that the proposals would bring the WRA in line with powers available to HM Revenue and Customs in England around those unannounced inspections for LDT sites in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Deputy Presiding Officer, I feel like Members have just had a glimpse into my life of Mrs Rowlands reminding me of things I said 12, 18 and even 24 months ago, hearing the Members here exchange historical words. Sometimes I forget what I've said sometimes as well.
But, Cabinet Minister, I must start by welcoming your statement here today, where, after much delay and deliberation, you rightfully confirm what we knew all along: the Welsh Conservatives were correct to oppose this revaluation from the very start. And as you outlined, we're in the middle of a cost-of-living challenge, we've heard time and time again about the pressures that you say Welsh Government and local authority funding is under. And as you outlined in your statement, you're looking carefully at the resources available to the Welsh Government to deliver on key priorities, including bringing down waiting lists, supporting families with the cost of childcare, creating those important jobs, raising educational standards, and also being mindful of the need to provide funding for local government settlements, protecting local taxpayers and the public services that they rely on.
But, of course, Cabinet Minister, it's not just the Government that is struggling with finances at the moment; many households are under real pressure too. Their bills are going up, firms are finding it more difficult to hire people, and too many of our young people are struggling, not in education, employment or training. And when governments and councils are under pressure, too often, they think they can just bring in more money by running to taxpayers and expecting them to foot the bill. But working people don't have anyone they can run to; they have to earn every penny through hard work by themselves and for themselves and their families. That's why so many people in Wales have opposed the council tax revaluation, and, as Conservatives, we have always supported them since it was announced. We know that, for many households, it would really be a tax increase by stealth. And so, Cabinet Minister, I'm glad you've seen the light and decided to side with the people of Wales on this really important issue.
I am disappointed it has taken so long to decide to postpone this revaluation when it seemed like a bad idea from the start from these benches. And, of course, in that cost-of-living challenge, it's a difficult time for so many people across Wales. So, I wonder if you're able to, in part of your response, outline why it did take such a long time to decide against this revaluation rather than giving that certainty from the start of this Government.
We only need to look at Labour's 2005 revaluation, as you said, which claimed to be revenue neutral, but as my colleague Peter Fox pointed out, just in June of this year, there were far more losers than winners, and as you mentioned a few moments ago, around 33 per cent of people saw their council tax bills increase by at least one band. So, I wonder how much you've reflected on that revaluation in your decision making this afternoon. And I wonder also, Cabinet Minister, how much weight you now give to the legislation that is in place, which is instructing governments to carry out this revaluation every five years. Do you still think it is appropriate to have that legislation in place? We've had two Governments now postpone this, perhaps that does indicate that the legislation isn't fit for purpose. Perhaps your response to that would be welcomed as well. Thank you.
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Cabinet Minister, in May of this year, Plaid Cymru stood on a platform of change. Of course, we've seen in 2007 the One Wales coalition that Plaid Cymru had with Labour for a four-year period; in 2021, there was the co-operation agreement that Plaid Cymru had with Labour throughout that term; in 2025, the budget deal between Plaid Cymru and Labour for this next financial year again. And of course, yesterday, you announced a deal with Welsh Labour for the supplementary budget again. I wonder how this signals a platform of change that Plaid Cymru stood on in May.
Thank you, Cabinet Minister. I'm sure you can appreciate that when you say it's a Government of change, but continuing the same alliances that have taken place many times during the 27 years of this Senedd, it's hard for the electorate to understand how those two things can be true at once. And of course, during that campaign, you claimed that the economic plan would unlock potential, support good jobs and grow businesses, and in forming a new Welsh Government, many people hoped for a shift away from 27 years of working with Labour in one way or another. Instead, we see that deal being done again.
In particular, around the issue around additional learning needs, it's absolutely right that funding has been allocated to those children with additional learning needs. But a single-year assessment is not enough to provide schools, teachers, parents and learners with the certainty that they desperately need. The National Association of Head Teachers have told us that this deal falls significantly short of ALN's identified need in Wales. The Welsh Labour leader himself said yesterday that the ALN sector needed long-term sustainability. It baffles the mind as to why a long-term deal, therefore, wasn't agreed to. So, I wonder if you believe, in your heart of hearts, that the Plaid Cymru and Labour supplementary budget deal will bring the change that Wales needs, does do enough to expand support for ALN learners, and will help grow the economy across the whole of Wales.
Firstly, can I say 'thank you' to Welsh Labour for bringing forward this debate today? We've already heard how powerfully this issue affects people from across the Chamber. We've heard some incredible stories of people's personal grief and support for this sector, so we're grateful for this debate being here today.
I stand here, Llywydd, also, as one of the many hats that we wear as Members of the Senedd, as the chair of the cross-party group on palliative and hospice care. I want to pay credit to the legend that is Mark Isherwood, who carried that role for a number of years in this place, amongst many roles that he had here. I'm grateful to him for his support throughout his time in this place.
And in that role, I have, of course, also had the privilege of meeting many incredible organisations, in the short time that I've been chairing that cross-party group. Those organisations provide important end-of-life hospice care across Wales, and, as others have, I want to start by thanking them for their incredible work, from the volunteers who man those reception desks in the hospices, right through to those expert clinical staff who are in those hospices day in and day out. I'm also grateful for the support of Jayne Bryant as the vice-chair of that group, and for Elfed Williams as well for his consistency on this, and thank you, Elfed, for sharing your story with us here in this place today.
With the cross-party group, we held an event just a few weeks ago in the Neuadd, Llywydd, and I was grateful to the Cabinet Minister for being able to join us at that event. I know the sector were grateful as well. It was a great opportunity to engage with hospices from across Wales, and I'm sure many of you took the opportunity to do that. I was grateful to be able to spend a few moments with the hospice in my constituency of Fflint Wrecsam, which is Nightingale House Hospice. It's been serving people across Wrexham, Flintshire and east Denbighshire for over 30 years now, and is a shining example of the fantastic work that hospices do in Wales.
I want to remind Members of this place here again today that that cross-party group will meet regularly. I've heard the passionate debate so far in this place and if you want to engage with that cross-party group, please look out for those all-important invites, but I know that we all have very busy diaries to contend with. But let me share with you, as Members, here today that we had a cross-party group meeting just this week and we announced that we're going to undertake an inquiry, as a cross-party group, into community-based palliative care and how that links into hospice care as well. I hope to have some recommendations that the cross-party group can bring to this Senedd as well. And I know that the Cabinet Minister will be interested to see how that may look and how that may shape some of his thinking in the months and years to come as well.
I want to echo the thanks and support already given to those working in this sector and recognise, as others have, the support that's given to around 20,000 children and adults in Wales every year, with that demand growing year in and year out. And we know of the pressure that that good work takes off the NHS, allowing patients to be discharged from hospital and offering 77,000 visits to people in their own homes annually as well.
The point I want to land on, though, Llywydd, is that the one word that comes through to me time and time again from hospices is the word 'certainty'. We hear them desperate for certainty about what their future looks and feels like, and much of that does come down to funding. They need certainty over their budgets, over their funding; they need certainty over what services they can offer; they need certainty over whether Welsh Government will continue to enable them to provide care within our communities. Because if we cannot secure a sustainable funding plan for hospices for the duration of this Senedd term at least, we're at real risk of losing services or whole organisations in our communities, some of which we've already seen the evidence of.
I know the Cabinet Minister may point towards the national commissioning model that is being pulled together, perhaps, at the moment. My understanding is that that's likely to take between five and 10 years to come to fruition. I know the Cabinet Minister led an important debate in this place in January 2024, I believe it was, nearly three years ago, where, as a Chamber, we supported that position as well. But my concern, Cabinet Minister, is the timescale of this. It's nearly three years ago that you led that debate in this place. If that model takes another minimum of five years to develop, that's a long time of uncertainty for this sector. And the plea is that we create that certainty sooner rather than later.
They are of course grateful for those year-by-year allocations that are provided to them; they would not be able to survive without them. But what they do need is long-term, sustainable funding, and a long-term commissioning model to be delivered much sooner than the five to 10 years that perhaps is already being signalled. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement on transport accessibility for blind and partially sighted people from the Deputy Minister for Transport to understand what more can be done to ensure everyone can travel safely, confidently and independently. Last week, I had the privilege of spending the morning with Rachel from the Royal National Institute of Blind People and her guide dog, Flick, as we attempted to walk from the bus station in Wrexham to the train station. I was provided a pair of goggles to help me understand Rachel's visual impairment. What struck me was the daily challenges facing people with sight loss in navigating their surroundings and accessing public transport. Access to public transport is essential for people to maintain their independence, access healthcare and stay connected to their communities. It's important that buses, trains and transport infrastructure are accessible, and that people with sight loss feel safe when travelling, certainly to avoid any risk of isolation. So, I'd be grateful for a statement from the Deputy Minister to highlight the work undertaken by the Welsh Government to ensure that blind and partially sighted people can access this transport as easily as possible. Thank you.
Thank you for your statement, Cabinet Minister. There are two themes I wanted to pick up that are really impacting my constituents in Brecon—. Sorry, I'm looking across at James Evans. [Interruption.] In Bretton and Broughton, in my patch, in relation to flooding. The first, Cabinet Minister, is around pace of delivery. My residents there have been flooded in 2021, 2023 and 2025. We're now in 2026 and the flood alleviation works have still yet to be undertaken.
I was struck by your statement and your reference to flood defence works in Llanrwst. I believe those are in response to flooding events that took place probably in 2020 when I was the council leader there at that point in time. So, six years later to get delivery perhaps is not the pace that you would want to see. I'd be interested in your response around how you'd want to see pace of delivery accelerated.
And secondly, around accountability, my residents in Bretton and Broughton are frustrated at the interaction sometimes with NRW, Welsh Water, local authorities, who is responsible for what and when. I think the simpler that can be, the better it would be for residents in places that I represent and I'm sure you represent as well. Diolch yn fawr.
First Minister, the irony of you calling a Member of the Senedd an isolationist when you are desperate to break up the United Kingdom and isolate Wales from this United Kingdom, when you've signed a pact with the SNP and Sinn Féin to isolate Wales from the rest of the United Kingdom—the irony of that, First Minister. The reality on the ground, First Minister, is that there are people being treated in corridors in our hospitals, our roads are creaking, our businesses are being taxed to the hilt. These aren't just slogans, First Minister. I met with residents in Bretton and Broughton last week, who were flooded in 2021, flooded in 2023 and they were flooded in 2025. How can you look them in the eye, First Minister, and tell them money's being better spent in international offices in places like China rather than on flood defences in places like Bretton and Broughton?
Diolch, Lywydd. As the Cabinet Minister for effectiveness, what actions are you taking to guarantee that your Cabinet colleagues are effectively ensuring value for money in the departments across the Welsh Government?
Thank you for your response, Cabinet Minister. You'll know, in July, that your colleague the Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport announced that the Welsh Government will be setting up a new shadow broadcasting and communications authority as a first step in trying to pull powers over broadcasting away from the UK Government. And you'll know, of course, that broadcasting has never been devolved, so setting up the shadow authority is clearly an example of this Plaid Cymru Welsh Government working outside of its constitutional boundaries. And, of course, as the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution, I'm sure you were the first to object to these plans at the earliest opportunity.
At the same time, your colleague also announced that tens of thousands of pounds have been set aside to fund the shadow authority in its first year. And, of course, because it's not a devolved matter, there's no funding from the UK Government to enable this to happen, meaning every penny spent on the shadow authority has to be redirected from an area the Welsh Government does have responsibility for. So, Cabinet Minister, do you think that this is an effective use of taxpayers' money that the Welsh Government is spending tens of thousands of pounds on something it has no responsibility for?
Diolch, Lywydd. I'm grateful to be able to take part in this debate this evening. And I must say, Llywydd, it has been far more interesting than I expected when I saw the title of the debate in the first place. I will first of all remind the Labour spokesperson, who seemed to forget about the hundreds of millions of pounds the Conservative Government supported his own city growth region in, especially when it came to the south Wales metro as well. He seems to have completely forgotten about that rail investment over the last Conservative Government here.
We've heard, so far, from Reform, Llywydd—the first speaker who seemed to think that this debate was a complete waste of time, and the second speaker who used nearly six minutes of that time to talk about the importance of fiscal reform and why it matters so much.
I think, Llywydd, it is fair to say that a Government should be in a position to be able to have the right amount of flexibility to respond to pressures that are facing communities across the area that it represents and is responsible for. And I think, as Welsh Conservatives, we want to ensure there's a system in place that gives the appropriate Governments the appropriate amount of flexibility to deal with those issues. And I think, to be fair, the current arrangements are probably unusual, to say the least, in particular around the issue of reserves, Llywydd. I think there's a different argument around borrowing powers, and I think Members will certainly understand the fact that your borrowing power is often related to your ability to raise taxes. That's why local authorities are able to borrow more readily than the Welsh Government, currently. But I think the current arrangements around the Wales reserve is unusual, to say the least, and that's why, as Welsh Conservatives, we would support greater flexibility, in particular around the restrictions that currently exist on the Wales reserve.
And that greater flexibility, though, should also come with making sure there's very clear accountability and scrutiny, because if those restrictions are removed, taxpayers should be able to see how that flexibility is being used and what it is delivering. I think it is reasonable to say that a Government should be able to plan beyond a very small time frame and with very limited flexibility around reserves, in particular.
As I say, the issues around borrowing—I think it's a completely different discussion and argument. Perhaps another one we should have on another day in this Chamber, because I expect the views may be different across this Chamber if that was debated as a single issue.
In relation to the second part of the motion today, which is the review of the operation of the Barnett formula, we would support a review of the operation of the Barnett formula. We believe the current formula is beyond its shelf life, it's out of date and we need a funding mechanism that works well for Wales. It is complicated, and I think that transparency is a question to be asked around the Barnett formula. And after all these years and other debates, it's reasonable to ask whether it remains the right mechanism for funding the different parts of the United Kingdom. But again, if we're going to reform it, we need to do so carefully and based on evidence, to have a system that's fair, transparent and properly reflects the needs of Wales, without putting our existing funding at risk.
I was grateful to the Cabinet Minister for pointing out the wording of the motion here today about the operation of the Barnett formula, because there is a very real risk that a full-scale review, without appropriate mitigations in place, could actually see us in a worse place. We need to have a grown-up discussion about that as well.
We know the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that, in 2024-25, Welsh Government received around 25 per cent more funding per person than was spent on comparable services in England. That's an important figure to keep in mind when we consider the Barnett formula—a formula that, of course, was agreed by the Conservative UK Government all those years ago, with that extra support in place recognising the needs of people here in Wales.
The third part of the motion, in relation to rail—the support for the £14 billion commitment to rail infrastructure in Wales is significant, but what matters, of course, to passengers is what actually gets delivered. We need to see projects that are going to be accelerated, sufficient funding being made available and communities across Wales actually benefiting from this investment across all of Wales. People will only feel the system's working when they can get to work well, when businesses can access markets and when our communities have the transport infrastructure they deserve.
We absolutely agree that the Welsh and UK Governments should be working together to deliver for the people of Wales. So, as Welsh Conservatives, Llywydd, we support this motion in front of us today. We support the greater fiscal flexibility. We support a review of the operation of the Barnett formula. We support the £14 billion commitment to rail, while making clear that we want to see investment delivered across all of Wales, alongside asking for greater flexibility and a fairer funding system, and also making sure that every £1 Wales already receives is spent wisely. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch, Lywydd. I'm grateful to all Members who've contributed to the debate in this Chamber this evening. I think it shows the importance of the defence sector in Wales to all parts of Wales. I will start my closing of this debate, Llywydd, by addressing the Cabinet Minister's opening remarks in relation to the ethical defence framework, because it became clear through the debate that Members across parties have serious concerns about the implications of this, the delays it will induce and the consequences in Wales and more widely as a result. It clearly sends a message out that the defence sector is not properly supported by this Welsh Government. And I hope, Cabinet Minister, that you'll reflect on the concerns that Members have raised in this place, because we want to see that investment here in Wales, we want to see those jobs created here in Wales so that we can see prosperity here in Wales as well.
I did welcome the Cabinet Minister's remarks, Llywydd, in recognising the importance of the defence sector here, in particular growth industries around cyber security, aerospace, advanced manufacturing. I was pleased to hear from colleagues in Fflint Wrecsam. Ken Skates mentioned Airbus, and I was pleased to be able to visit there recently with Darren Millar and see the incredible work that they do in my own constituency—a real highlight for Wales is the work that Airbus do. And they've just recently announced another 480 new jobs in the area. Again, a fantastic example of what aerospace does in Wales.
And this growth and investment has been enabled by the skilled workers we have here in Wales, working with the UK Government and Welsh Government-backed Wrexham and Flintshire investment zone, alongside the support from local authorities. We heard in the debate, Llywydd, from Paul Davies about the strategic importance of west Wales and the opportunities for defence investment there, and we heard from the Reform spokesperson about the difference that the armed forces and the apprenticeship that he had made in his life and his career. And these are examples of why the Welsh Government should be directing more support to the defence sector right now, not pontificating and tying up the sector in red tape. And with the announcement of the ethical defence framework, potential investors and workers in the defence sector are facing nothing but uncertainty and delays. And that, Cabinet Minister, is what Members have raised in this place with you this evening.
These investments, as we've heard from Members also, are the things that make a very real difference day in, day out. We heard from Janet Finch-Saunders, didn't we, of the real-world impact of defence investment here in Wales. And when we talk about the defence sector, I think sometimes it's really easy to be fixated on the materials being produced—extremely important, of course, but let's not forget what is actually being defended. Darren Millar mentioned this with reference to the cold war in his opening remarks. It's our freedoms that are being defended; it's our values that are being defended; it's our democracy, our economic security, it's our resilience that's being defended by the defence sector. It's our way of life, it's the equalities that we enjoy as a nation, it's our peace that is being defended by the defence sector. And peace has to be fought for. We see it in the world that we live in today that peace is not something to be assumed. We have to fight for peace. And it's a fundamental. The highest priority of any Government is the peace of their nation. And it's this social responsibility of peace that we must fight for as a nation as well. That is our responsibility when it comes to our country. It's so important that we defend our values.
This debate comes precisely at a time when we are realising the growing need for investment and action. In short, Llywydd, because the world on our doorstep is getting more and more dangerous, we in this Senedd should be giving the defence sector our full backing, enabling manufacturers to be able to expand in Wales, provide good jobs to skilled workers and bolster the UK's defences. This is fundamental to the security of Wales, the security of the United Kingdom and the security of our allies abroad. That's why I urge all Members to back our motion and show your support for the defence sector here in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
First Minister, I certainly agree with the comments made by colleagues across the Chamber here so far, because local authorities, councils, and the work they do is the lifeblood of our communities, from the roads that we drive on to the schools that we send our children to. The funding formula is an important aspect of the ability to deliver these services. Another aspect of funding is through council tax rises. In my constituency, Fflint Wrecsam, the local authorities of Flintshire and Wrexham have made significant council tax rises over recent years because of having to fund those services that are vital to people, day in and day out. But I wonder, in considering funding for local authorities, what you think is an acceptable council tax rise for local authorities to make. Will you be considering putting a cap on local authorities in Wales?
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Cabinet Minister, what is your view on the impact of school closures on communities, parents, teachers and learners across Wales?
Thank you, Cabinet Minister. I appreciate the position you take on that, but, as you point out, on the process, it's important throughout that this is being adhered to properly, because communities are concerned when school closures and mergers are threatened for schools in their areas. You'll be aware, in my own constituency, that Flintshire council has proposed the merger of four schools into one superschool, with communities at the periphery of that, such as in Saltney, with St Anthony's school, and in Mold, with St David's school—where my colleague Darren Millar is the Member for—particularly concerned about the impact from the distance of the site that's being proposed.
The point here, Cabinet Minister, is that the consultation for the proposal has been rejected by more than 96 per cent of respondents. Schools are at the heart of our communities, and their closures have a particularly stark impact on rural areas, where schools serve as important community buildings and set habits of a lifetime for travel to and from school. Councils should not be imposing school closures on communities that do not want them. Instead, closures should only be considered where there's significant evidence, considerable public support and action to mitigate impacts on those communities. So, within the powers that you do have, Cabinet Minister, will you commit today to supporting parents, teachers and learners in disputes over school closures?
Diolch, Lywydd. I move the amendment in the name of my colleague Paul Davies. I'd like to thank Labour colleagues for bringing this debate forward today; a really important issue has been highlighted in this Chamber. I certainly support the opening remarks by their spokesperson here this afternoon. We know, don't we, that the latest Welsh Government figures show that 17 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds in Wales were not in employment, education or training in the year ending December 2025. That's an increase of 5.5 percentage points in just one year. That's nearly one in every five young adults that we would meet not in education, employment or training. Quite stark figures. Sometimes, Llywydd, we get so used to these numbers being bandied about, but it's pretty shocking, actually, that nearly one in five young adults are not in education, training or in employment.
We must remember that behind every one of those numbers is a young person who wants to get on with their life, to continue education, develop their skills, or step into the world of work. When they're unable to do so, as this motion recognises, the consequences can be long-lasting, affecting their health, earnings, life chances and ultimately affecting our society as a whole. That's why the role that further education colleges play in tackling this is so, so important. I know the Welsh Government do understand this, but what we need to see today as a result of this motion is action off the back of words.
We know, of course, that record numbers of learners are choosing further education colleges as a route into qualifications, skills and careers, with every college in Wales reporting an increase in participation this academic year. Minister, you'll be pleased to hear, of course, that I visited a college on Friday just gone. It was Coleg Cambria's Yale site in Wrexham. They had me playing pickleball in one of their sports halls, they had me observing some pickle being prepared in the restaurant, and I hope to God that there's no footage of me getting in a pickle on the dance floor in their dance studio.
What they told me about also was the increased demand that they're seeing at their own site there in Wrexham, which I know reflects colleges across Wales experiencing the same kinds of pressures. We know that there's particularly a strong demand in vocational and technical education areas, such as construction, engineering and healthcare, which happen to be precisely the sectors where Wales needs skilled workers today. And as we've already heard in the opening remarks, Llywydd, the increased demand is not being met with the funding that is required.
We've already heard about the 5,000 learners across colleges in Wales who are studying without the associated funding to properly support them. In my own constituency, there are around 1,000 students currently in colleges without the funding in place to provide the support that they need. We've failed to fund that demand. We risk fewer places, fewer courses and less support for the young people that I talked about right at the opening of my contribution today, which are those young people who aren't in work, those young people who aren't currently in training and aren't able to see that future that we need them to be able to see. The risk is a NEET crisis getting worse and not better.
But funding is only one part of the solution, and that's why our Welsh Conservative amendment is so important, and that's why we're calling on the Welsh Government to encourage that greater collaboration between those colleges and the private sector. Because we do have a bit of a strange situation in Wales at the moment, where many of us across the Chamber will be aware that employers are struggling to find people with the right skills while young people are struggling to find clear routes into work. So, something's not quite matching up. I'm sure that the Minister will speak about the skills audit that's under way, and I really hope that business is right at the heart of that thinking as well. Because employers can help those colleges understand the skills that industries need, colleges can give businesses access to the next generation of talent, and learners can gain the experience and understanding of the workplace that make the difference between finishing education and finding a career.
An example of this, Llywydd, is in the defence sector. We know that UK defence investment in Wales accounts for around about £1 billion a year into our Welsh industries. So, why wouldn't we want Welsh colleges to work with the defence sector to make sure our young people are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities that are there for them in the future? The same applies to construction, engineering, energy and many other sectors on which Wales's economy depends so importantly.
So, this isn't about telling young people what career they should choose, it's about giving them the opportunity, the experience and the choice to be able to move into a world of work. The Welsh Conservatives believe that every learner should be able to choose a path that works for them. That's why it's important that this motion and our amendment is supported. We need properly funded colleges, stronger links between education and industry and a Welsh Government focused on creating opportunities for our young people. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Can I support the Member in his questions on this topic, First Minister? We know that many older people at the moment are struggling with the cost of living, and particularly with the impact of a fixed income on many older people in our communities. We also know that, historically, people have been able to access advice services in their communities through organisations such as Citizens Advice and other fantastic organisations like that, who can support our older people to ensure that they are making the best use of any welfare support available to them and other types of support as well. So, I wonder, First Minister, if you're able to outline how you see those types of services in the future and what support the Welsh Government can give to organisations like the citizens advice bureaux to ensure that that advice is available to them in a timely way, and in an accessible way as well? Diolch yn fawr iawn.
8. Pa gamau y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i annog pobl ifanc i gymryd rhan mewn chwaraeon yn dilyn Pencampwriaeth Pêl-droed Ewrop Dan-19 UEFA 2026 a gynhaliwyd yng ngogledd Cymru yr haf hwn? OQ64451
8. What steps will the Welsh Government be taking to encourage youth engagement in sport following the 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championships held in north Wales this summer? OQ64451
Thank you for your response, Cabinet Minister. Before the recess, I was pleased to be able to highlight, in this Chamber, that the championships were taking place in north Wales over the summer. And it was a huge success, hosted at four different locations across north Wales, including the very own Racecourse ground in my own constituency of Fflint Wrecsam.
But just before the tournament ended, the four chief medical officers of Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland came together to release a new physical activity guidelines report that encourages children and young people to engage in 60 minutes per day of physical activity, such as sports. And I'm sure you'd agree that engaging in that physical activity benefits our physical and mental health and can certainly relieve pressures in our NHS, and it's just better for people in the long run. So, I wonder how you see your role, in working with the Minister responsible for our health services, to ensure that children are encouraged to take part in sports activities. And I wonder also whether you reflect on the Member's Bill that I raised in this Senedd last term, which was seeking to encourage more young people to engage in outdoor activities, and whether there's any opportunity to review any of the work that took place in the last Senedd term on outdoor activities for children in schools.
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Cabinet Minister, how do you ensure that taxpayers' money is not wasted?
Well, thank you for your response, Cabinet Minister. Last week, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy released a written statement informing Members that the Welsh Government is going to write off £684,000 in unpaid rent owed by P.V. France Limited, a significant amount of taxpayers' money. There may be some specific reasons why that business went into difficulty, but what concerns me is how that debt of nearly £700,000 was allowed to reach such an extraordinary level in the first place. The Welsh Government, we understand, agreed to multiple payment plans, yet the arrears continued to build time after time. The company eventually entered administration, was dissolved, and now that money, nearly £700,000, seemingly cannot be recovered.
At a time when we're being told that the public finances are incredibly tight, as I'm sure they are, how can the Government justify allowing almost £700,000 of taxpayers' money to be lost in this way? And as the Minister responsible for holding those purse strings, how will you prevent this from happening again in the future?
On Saturday, I was pleased to attend the official launch of the Football Museum of Wales and Wrexham Museum. As a member for Fflint Wrecsam, it was a real pleasure to be part of such an important occasion for the area and to join with colleagues in seeing the Cabinet Minister cut the ribbon on the museum.
The launch was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the heritage of Wrexham and the history of Welsh football, and to see the new galleries and the stories they have to tell. I'm sure many of us agree that football is such an important part of communities across Wales. It brings people together, sometimes drives them apart, but creates shared opportunities and is a huge part of our national identity. The Football Museum of Wales provides a fantastic opportunity to preserve that history and share it with future generations.
The Wrexham Museum also plays an important role in celebrating the city, its people and its heritage. I was particularly pleased to meet those involved in making these museums a reality and to see the pride and enthusiasm surrounding the launch. These museums have huge potential to attract visitors, support the local economy and showcase Wrexham to people from across Wales and beyond. I hope the Welsh Government will recognise that potential and continue to work with and support both museums as they establish themselves and grow. They are important cultural assets for Wrexham and for Wales and deserve every opportunity to succeed.
Thank you for your response, First Minister, but the issues you've outlined are part of the reason why Members in this place and the public at large are so frustrated with your obsessive pursuit of independence when what you should be doing is focusing on these issues in the classrooms to support our children for the best outcomes possible. Wales is falling behind every other UK nation in maths, reading and science, with the gap particularly stark when compared with England. You rightfully want to work with other countries and co-operate and learn from them. Why don't you learn from England as to how they are doing so well with their education outcomes compared with our children here in Wales?
If we're serious about driving up those standards, we have to also address what is happening in our classrooms. We've heard time and time again from Estyn and the teaching unions as to poor behaviour as an issue in our classrooms. We've been clear that teachers need to be properly supported, schools need a stronger approach to discipline, so that teachers can teach and pupils can learn without unnecessary disruption. Given these disappointing PISA results, First Minister, will you accept that improving discipline, supporting teachers and restoring high expectations in our classrooms must be at the heart of any plan to raise educational standards?
Cabinet Minister, thank you for your statement today. I do share some of the concerns raised by our Reform colleague in terms of the way in which this information has been disseminated to Members of the Senedd. I think it is right and proper that in the vast majority of instances, information is shared in this Chamber first before being released to the press, just to show some respect to the Chamber itself and the Members within it.
But in terms of the meat of this statement, I certainly welcome the direction of travel from the Government on this and recognise that business rates represent a significant cost for businesses across Wales at a time when many are already under considerable pressures. Cabinet Minister, you'll be aware that our high streets have been struggling to adapt to changing consumer behaviour and the continued growth of online retail. The Welsh Conservatives have consistently argued that the tax burden on those businesses is far too high. We also need to be honest about the wider pressures that businesses are facing, dealing with taxation of all types alongside employee pressures and rising energy costs. Of course, business rates are only one part of a wider cost of doing business.
Colleagues have already raised a couple of questions I was interested in. I will point to three issues and questions, though. Respectfully, Cabinet Minister, I'm not sure if you fully responded to Huw Thomas's question, particularly around the cliff edge. You acknowledged it in your response, but, of course, there has potentially been the introduction of a new cliff edge here. I wonder what assurances you can give those businesses that they won't feel the pain of that, potentially, and that there may be some tapering that could take place so businesses aren't falling foul one way or the other. What confidence can you give to businesses that that is properly understood and recognised in terms of a potential tapering of this relief beyond that £51,000? A broader discussion you mentioned in regard to business rates, I think, does need to take place. I'd expect Welsh Government to lead on that.
There was one specific issue I'd be grateful for you to consider in this discussion, and that's one around the particular challenges faced by businesses who are just starting out. Business rates will ordinarily apply as soon as they start up, meaning firms can face a tax bill very soon after opening their doors without necessarily generating real income at that point. I wonder what consideration you might give to our proposal for business rate free periods for new retail businesses and others on the high street to give those entrepreneurs the opportunity to establish themselves before facing this additional cost.
Another consideration on which I'd be interested in your response is the role of local authorities in business rates. Of course, many people think that councils set those business rates, but they merely collect them on behalf of the Welsh Government. But I wonder if there's an opportunity to incentivise our local authorities by allowing them to retain an element of any non-domestic rates growth in their area, to allow our councils to invest in our town centres or incentivise our councils perhaps to invest in those town centres more than they currently do.
Finally, Minister, I'm interested—and it's back to this particular announcement today—in how it's going to impact businesses that offer mixed services. In my own constituency, Banana Ben's play centre and cafe may be impacted by this. They've been refused food and drink hospitality rate relief in the past, despite food and drink accounting for 60 per cent of their floor space and 61 per cent of their turnover. Companies House classify it as an unlicensed restaurant and cafe. The business provides indoor play alongside food and drink for families, and the two, of course, are not mutually exclusive, yet it will not, it seems, qualify for the equivalent relief. Businesses of a similar nature in England absolutely do. So, I wonder whether you could respond to that and what you might seek to do to address this disparity to ensure that Welsh businesses are not disadvantaged simply because they operate in Wales, perhaps offering more than one service to their customers. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Apologies for my slight lapse in concentration, things seem to be more lively outside the Chamber today than they have been, perhaps, inside it.
Thank you, Cabinet Minister, for your statement. Tertiary education is, of course, crucial in developing the skills and knowledge that our economy needs now and in the future, and the stakes for the higher education review could hardly be higher at this stage. And the many external reviews of Welsh higher education over recent decades, in my view, have failed to secure the long-term sustainability of the sector and have instead contributed to a cycle of managed decline.
But on this review specifically, you'll be aware, Cabinet Minister, that in Scotland when Ministers have sought to work with universities to develop solutions and secure their commitments to change, before holding them to account for delivery, there's been that close working relationship with those universities. So, I wonder how you will ensure and give assurances to our universities here in Wales that you'll be adopting a similar approach, working seriously with those universities as partners in developing and implementing these reforms, of course within the context of the independent panel that you're seeking to or you will be setting up.
There's already been mention of the central role that universities play in our economy and our growth in the future. We welcome the review's commitment to look at the role that alternative pathways, such as colleges and degree apprenticeships, should play in a wider education landscape. Of course, colleges can provide flexible modes of delivery and be more accessible to learners, and we know the increasing importance of a degree apprenticeship. So, will you direct the review to look specifically at what barriers there are in Wales to prevent our young people from accessing some of those alternative pathways that colleagues have already mentioned, those alternative pathways to higher education.
Within that context of economic growth, universities are important engines of place-based economic growth as well, not just the institution on its own. There are great examples of universities working closely in partnership with colleges and local industry to respond to the skills that are needed. Now, FE is not covered in the review, so how will you make sure there's a joined-up approach to meeting place-based skills requirements and opportunities across the tertiary systems? I appreciate that HE does need to be reviewed, but the context of their place is really important, particularly in a place like Wales.
Deputy Minister, in your terms of reference, you state that the scale and urgency of pressures on universities mean that the underlying funding sustainability of Welsh universities and the Welsh student support system must now be addressed. There's a real sense of urgency in your statements there, but the timeline that you're looking at is looking to make changes in the 2028-29 academic year. That's two years away. It doesn't really feel that urgent, quite frankly. Welsh students starting university in September will be entering the final year of their courses by the time any changes come in. Could you confirm whether you think that a two-year wait for this reform is acceptable to students, universities and businesses under pressure right now?
I just want to follow up on a comment that my colleague Lynne Neagle raised as well, Minister, in relation to this ambition of students seeking an education where it's best for them. Wales is already home to world-class universities. For many students, though, looking elsewhere in the UK or abroad is simply what's best for them and their future pathway. That should be a choice that is equally available to them. Higher education should allow our students to aspire to become the best that they can be, to be supported. They don't want to feel hemmed in by Wales-specific Government support or not. So, will you, on the floor of the Senedd today, commit to not holding back those Welsh student aspirations to study wherever is best for them? Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Cabinet Minister, I'm sure you'd be fascinated to hear that I had a very interesting start to my day today, because I had the privilege of formally welcoming Logos Hope to Cardiff Bay, the ship that's docked here for three weeks. I would encourage all Members of the Chamber to take a visit, if you get a chance. It's the world's largest floating book fair. Now, I'm not sure how many floating book fairs there are, but this is the biggest one in the world. On that ship, there are around 350 volunteers of 50 different nationalities going around the world supporting children particularly with their literacy and education, and they do an incredible job.
But the reason I mention it now is that, in one of the contributions by the managing director on the ship today, he invoked the spirit of Griffith Jones and pointed out the literacy heritage that we have here in Wales and, of course, his work on the circulating schools in the eighteenth century, and the global reputation. There are over 50 nationalities on this ship and they recognise the heritage we have here in Wales around literacy in particular. It struck me, as I sat there, where we, sadly, find ourselves at the moment. You opened your statement by pointing to the fact that it's not all about PISA, but clearly the OECD are pointing to our downward trend at the moment in particular on reading and maths, and I know it's a wake-up call for you, but, in particular, it's a concern that parents have of children in schools and they recognise that far too many children are leaving school without the strong foundations that they need.
So, I wonder, as my first question to you, after years of promises to raise standards—and parents have heard this before and teachers have heard this before—what confidence can you give to parents and teachers that this plan will finally deliver the improvement that they've been waiting for? And let me point out, Cabinet Minister, the things that I am really supportive of on this here, in particular the focus on the nought-16 approach, I think that's very helpful; literacy and numeracy don't suddenly start when a child walks through the school gates, and we need to understand where children are starting from, track that progress and identify where support is needed before problems become entrenched. That goes back to that point around the parental involvement. I was really pleased to see, in your actual plan, foundation 1, which is the role of parents and carers, and let me encourage you to push as strongly as possible in that area, because we know the huge difference that good parenting and support at home can make to those children in their first few years. I also welcome the proposed year 6 indicator. If a child is struggling with reading and numeracy at the end of primary school, the secondary school needs to know that as best as possible, but good information sharing can make a real difference to that transition and to the support that children receive. So, I wonder if you would outline more clearly how the Welsh Government will ensure that this information actually leads to earlier and better support.
I do have some concerns, as I'm sure you'd expect, and some of those are around how this works in practice. I think colleagues have already mentioned the existing workload that teachers have, and I know you've responded to some of that. They don't want more paperwork, they don't want more bureaucracy, they don't want more sand in the system; they want this to work as smoothly as possible. So, I wonder, in your response to me, if you can give those reassurances that you recognise that again, and that, whilst we're asking schools to set ambitious targets, they'll be given the resources, training and support to be able to achieve this.
I also noticed in the opening of your plan document, Cabinet Minister, that you point out, and I'll quote here, that:
'A sustained period of reform has taken its toll, and literacy and numeracy have been lost in the noise.'
You go on, though, to say that the new plan is deliberate—I can't say the word; my literacy skills need to be improved—
'deliberately iterative and will be subject to ongoing review and evaluation'.
Now, those two things, perhaps, seem to fight each other, and I wonder what assurances you can give to our schools that—. You pointed out that all this reform has taken a lot of energy in the system, but then go on to say that they'll be subject to ongoing review and evaluation. So, I think schools would want to know how are you going to get that tension right. How are you going to ensure that, whilst those reviews are important, actually, they need to be getting on with the job in hand?
I believe time is up, Deputy Presiding Officer, so I look forward to the response, but perhaps I have one moment. We cannot, of course, decouple literacy and numeracy outcomes from some basic expectations in schools. I questioned the First Minister earlier around how we're going to address classroom behaviours, because, for children to gain those literacy and numeracy skills, they need to be in the best place possible in the classroom around behaviours as well. So, I'd appreciate any response on that as well. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I'm grateful to Lynne Neagle for tabling this item here today. As you know, Cabinet Minister, schools across Wales are increasingly feeling overlooked and undervalued when it comes to funding. And, of course, you've already noted the serious challenges surrounding funding for additional learning needs, with many schools struggling to provide the support that learners deserve.
You've again mentioned the offer from the Welsh Government of that £40 million per year. But let's not forget that, last night, this Senedd rejected that as an option, because this Senedd believed that that was not enough to support ALN across Wales. And now we're seeing again a Welsh Government unwilling to meet the recommended pay award for teachers. It goes back to that point of them feeling overlooked and undervalued. Cabinet Minister, we cannot risk a strike in the autumn because of this situation.
I think that what's happening at the moment really sends the wrong message to a profession that's already feeling that immense pressure. Teachers, as already described by your Plaid Cymru colleague, are at the heart of our education system and there's a real risk of this general issue around funding affecting recruitment, retention and ultimately outcomes for our children and young people.
I'm particularly concerned about how school leaders are having to manage this situation at the moment, and I declare an interest as a school governor myself. School governing bodies are having to manage stretched budgets, and if schools are left to bridge the funding gap themselves, it's children who ultimately feel the impact of this. So, Cabinet Minister, can you explain what reassurance you can give headteachers and governing bodies that they won't have to choose between rewarding their staff fairly and appropriately and protecting the support and opportunities available to pupils?
I'm grateful to be able to take part in this debate here today. In this Chamber, of course, we've already heard that many of us share the ambition for a deposit-return scheme that builds on Wales's world-leading recycling rates, but I think we must also agree that a good policy must work well in practice, not just look good on paper. And the question is not whether we should improve recycling, but whether creating a separate, more complicated deposit-return scheme than in the rest of the UK is the best way to achieve that.
In answer to previous speakers' challenge back to the Conservatives a moment ago, the fundamental issue here is the divergence away from the rest of the UK and the complexity that creates in the system, increasing the cost, increasing the pressures for businesses and, ultimately, for consumers, who are the ones who will pay the literal cost of this at the end.
As a Member for the Fflint Wrecsam constituency, I see every day how interconnected our communities are here in the UK. People are constantly moving between England and Wales to work, shop and visit family, with businesses trading seamlessly across that border. What they need is that certainty and consistency, not that divergence and additional bureaucracy for bureaucracy's sake. That's why, as Janet Finch-Saunders outlined in her opening, we've consistently supported a fully aligned, cross-nation, four-nation, deposit-return scheme approach.
It's also the position of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association, which has warned that different schemes across the UK will create unnecessary complexity and, ultimately, additional costs. The association has called for a fully aligned, four-nation approach, which would mean excluding glass from the scheme. Glass would create unnecessary complexity and additional costs for producers, retailers—and, again, let's not forget those consumers, who are the ones that would be paying for this through their purchases. Those costs could ultimately lead to higher prices, reduce consumer choice as some brands will reconsider the Welsh market, and greater pressure on smaller Welsh businesses. Again, the previous Labour speaker talked about the opportunities around green growth, but what hasn't been acknowledged is the potential losses because of the higher costs of dealing with this proposed scheme.
The Association of Convenience Stores has raised similar concerns. We'd all share the feeling that local shops are at the heart of communities across Wales, particularly in our rural areas. They'd play a vital role in the success of any deposit-return scheme. Yet, many convenience stores simply do not have the space to accommodate glass returns, and the specialist reverse vending machines required are significantly more expensive. Especially at a time when many independent retailers are already under pressure, this is a very serious concern for them. The inclusion of glass is not simply an environmental question, it's a practical one. We should ask whether it's the right way to achieve our environmental ambitions, without placing unnecessary burdens on retailers, producers, and importantly, again, consumers.
It's already been mentioned in this debate, Deputy Presiding Officer, the question of readiness. With the scheme due to launch in October 2027, a little over a year away, businesses seem to lack the certainty they need. The Association of Convenience Stores, as we've already heard, has urged the Welsh Government to appoint the deposit management organisation as soon as possible so those retailers can invest, adapt their operations and train staff appropriately. Without that certainty, the October 2027 deadline will become increasingly difficult to achieve. I know the Cabinet Minister wants to, perhaps, speak to that point specifically in his response, and I look forward to hearing from him on that.
I also think the Cabinet Minister does get this issue. I know that he sees the problem that businesses are facing at the moment with this and the issues that divergence will create. I ask the Cabinet Minister to reflect on what he, I'm sure, feels in his heart of hearts are the issues this is going to cause, and actually reflect on the costs it's going to cause to businesses. Your Plaid Cymru Government here often talked in their campaign that they wanted the economy at the heart of this new Plaid Cymru Government. So, listen to what businesses are telling you on this scheme at the moment, listen to their concerns and align with the rest of the UK.
So, I ask the Cabinet Minister specifically: will the Welsh Government commit to working with other UK nations to deliver a truly interoperable deposit-return scheme? Will you consider that the inclusion of glass at launch risks increasing costs for Welsh businesses and consumers? Will you acknowledge that? And will you urgently appoint a deposit management organisation so that businesses have the certainty they need to prepare?
Deputy Presiding Officer, I will wrap up by saying that environmental ambition and economic common sense should go hand in hand. We can deliver a successful deposit-return scheme, but only if it is practical, affordable and aligned with the rest of the UK. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
First Minister, Nigel Williams, the Member, was absolutely right to raise concerns about constituents waiting far too long for planned procedures, surgeries on waiting lists in Fflint Wrecsam. One particular area that I believe requires some extra focus, ironically, is that of cataract operations. People are having to wait two years or more for cataract operations. You'll appreciate, First Minister, during that time, that it can be debilitating for people, especially if they need to drive, in rural areas of my constituency of Fflint Wrecsam, when they're waiting for years for what is actually quite a simple procedure in the grand scheme of things. People who live just over the border in Cheshire are waiting six weeks for exactly the same operation to take place. It strikes me that there's an issue there with the commissioning of services, which could make a big difference to accelerating people's waits when it comes to cataract operations. So, would you look at that, First Minister, to see where, specifically, cataract operations can be accelerated to ensure that those thousands of people who are waiting currently no longer have to wait without being able to see properly?
I'd like to, first of all, thank the Cabinet Minister for today's statement and for the advance notice of it that she provided to Members. Absolutely, every parent and carer wants the best start for their child, but for too many families the cost of childcare is making that much harder. We all know parents who are weighing up whether it's even worth returning to work because those childcare costs take up such a large proportion of their income, and, as the Cabinet Minister outlined, in some cases, those costs are higher than rent, mortgages or other headline costs.
Of course, the challenge that we're discussing today also feeds into this broader issue of falling birth rates and the challenge that that's going to present to us as a nation in the years to come. That's why we, on these benches, welcome any genuine attempt to make childcare more affordable and more accessible to parents. But I guess the question in this place today is whether what's being discussed can actually be delivered. Because, of course, warm words, on their own, aren't enough.
To begin with, we believe that the childcare system in its current form is far too complex, especially for parents to navigate and understand what they are entitled to, and I acknowledge the Cabinet Minister's reference to that in her statement here today. We believe that one of the first things that the Welsh Government should be looking at is how to streamline and simplify childcare funding so that parents in particular can easily understand what support is available to them so that they can properly plan for the future. So, I'd be interested to know, Cabinet Minister, what actions you'll be taking to engage with parents and carers to ensure that any unnecessary complexity is taken out of the system for them.
Secondly, the announcement of the £55 million investment is, of course, welcome. However, families and providers need greater clarity about how this funding will, exactly, be used—how many additional children will benefit—and certainty that it will reach those who need it most. On the funding point, I do want to pick up on the comments made by my colleague in Fflint Wrecsam, who was absolutely right to call out this midpoint estimate of £375 million. I believe, in your response, you suggested that there is a range there, of course, and the maximum could be up to a £500 million cost. That is, of course, significantly higher than initially expected from your manifesto, so I'm interested to understand how you're planning to manage that potential cost. I appreciate it's not necessarily what the cost will be, but how are you managing to mitigate any unnecessary escalation in costs?
I'm interested also, Cabinet Minister, in the response you gave to our Labour colleague on the broader support services for families and for children, and how you'll be working with health services to ensure that holistic support is available and the capacity is there in those health services to deliver on that ambition that you mentioned in your response to Lynne Neagle.
I also want to recognise the pressures that childcare providers are under, as colleagues have done already. We know that these are often small businesses delivering an essential service, often on very limited margins. We know that they're often struggling with rising costs, recruitment challenges and tight budgets. You have already acknowledged the necessity of a workforce plan and you've outlined that the plan will come forward in the autumn. I'm interested to understand how you expect to work with skills providers to ensure that the workforce is available quickly, because you will know, of course, that those skills take years to be in place, and you want to move at pace on this issue.
I also welcome the updated national minimum standards. Every child deserves a safe environment where they can learn, develop and enjoy being a child. Higher standards matter, but so does ensuring providers have the support and resources to meet them. Would you be able to explain what support will be available to help settings implement these new standards?
Finally, Cabinet Minister, you may have noted that in our manifesto we talked about an idea around a grandparent payment scheme or a nominated family payment scheme to recognise the role of the wider family in bringing up children. You say that it takes a village to bring up a child. I wonder what consideration you’ve given to a scheme similar to that, where a nominated family member is able to be supported to support bringing a child up, rather than, perhaps, necessarily, that money always going to a childcare provider setting. At the end of the day, parents want childcare that is safe, affordable and reliable. Providers want a system that is properly funded, sustainable and workable. Those are the priorities that we should all be focused on. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I thank the Deputy Minister for today's statement and the advance notice of it as well. We absolutely agree—skills and tertiary education are central to Wales's future. We want to grow our economy and create opportunities with a skills system that's ambitious, flexible and responsive to employers' and businesses' needs. And while we welcome the focus on understanding future skills requirements and bringing together employers, colleges and universities, Deputy Minister, you will know that businesses are already facing skills shortages and cannot wait for years for action to take place. So, I echo comments made from across the Chamber, because what those businesses need to know is not necessarily what the skills plan is for future years, but what's going to happen now to plug the gaps that they are experiencing. Because, frankly, we've heard strategies and reviews before; employers are desperate for action today. And I can give you a quick example.
I recently met with the Electrical Contractors Association, who highlighted to me the shortage of skilled electricians. Back in 2015, there were 13,500 electricians here in Wales; that number is now 7,600, so nearly half the number of electricians in Wales that we had just over 10 years ago. And you will know, Deputy Minister, the need for electrical contract work is going to expand, as that's a huge part of our economy in the future. So, an example there of the number of people in a skilled workforce being nearly halved over a 10-year period. Businesses and employers want to know what you are doing now to make sure those gaps are being plugged.
That links specifically, also, to apprenticeships. I've heard your comments on the junior apprenticeships, but I think part of the problem at the moment, and the challenge at the moment, in particular for small businesses, is making the system as simple as possible, removing unnecessary bureaucracy and improving the funding, so that those businesses can access those apprenticeships and support those apprenticeships in the future. We, as Welsh Conservatives, in our manifesto, were keen to see more than 100,000 apprenticeships delivered over this Senedd term. I'm not sure if there's a target coming from Welsh Government at the moment; I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on that. But I guess the question is, Deputy Minister: how will you be looking to make apprenticeships easier to access, more attractive to learners, and ensure that Wales is developing the skilled workforce our economy requires with apprenticeships in mind?
We certainly welcome the commitment to increase funding for Welsh-medium education and training, particularly within apprenticeships as well. Those Welsh-medium skills are important across many sectors, but I wonder if you could outline how this commitment will be funded and delivered.
You mentioned our universities, of course, higher education, who are facing significant pressures. Representatives from the sector have raised concerns about those financial challenges, job losses and long-term sustainability. We know that more than 1,000 university jobs have been lost across Wales in the past year alone, while falling international student numbers and demographic changes are creating further uncertainty. We welcome the review of university funding, but you'll know that it must deliver practical solutions, not just another consultation.
Deputy Minister, you've spoken prior to this statement of the possibility of university mergers, but there's little clarity about what this actually means. Of course, forced mergers would be a major undertaking and may not address the underlying problems in universities. So, I wonder, in your response, if you could clarify what role you see mergers playing, whether there are particular models you're considering, and whether any options are off the table at this stage.
Finally, Deputy Minister, skills are not just about young people entering work, as you would acknowledge. Wales must become a lifelong learning nation where adults can retrain, upskill and adapt throughout their careers. So, I wonder if you could expand further on what the Welsh Government is doing to ensure adults across Wales have access to flexible learning opportunities that will enable them to gain new skills and qualifications. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch, Lywydd. I'm pleased to speak in this debate today on behalf of the Finance Committee. We had the privilege of scrutinising the first supplementary budget on 9 July and our report makes 22 recommendations. Today, I will focus on some of our key recommendations.
As we've heard, the supplementary budget that the committee scrutinised included £246 million of unallocated resource funding, which the Cabinet Minister said reflects substantial in-year pressures, particularly within the NHS. We recognise that there is always some uncertainty at this stage of the financial year and that Governments need a degree of flexibility to respond to emerging pressures, but the level of unallocated funding is considerably higher than in recent supplementary budgets. The committee noted that the average over the last four years has been £62 million and it's currently around four times higher than the average of the last four years. We want to better understand what pressures remain across Government and how those pressures differ from the normal challenges of managing a budget through the financial year.
Turning to the management of NHS finances, this supplementary budget includes a £100 million allocation to tackle NHS waiting lists. The committee supports the Government's ambition to move beyond short-term interventions and deliver sustained improvement in NHS performance. And we heard the Cabinet Minister wants to focus on longer term outcomes rather than short-term monthly performance measures. We heard that the NHS is currently facing financial pressures of more than £300 million this year and that discussions with health boards are ongoing before further funding decisions are taken. However, what we did not hear in sufficient detail is how the approach of this Government differs from previous approaches that have also relied on significant in-year NHS allocation. That is why we asked the Cabinet Minister to detail the accountability mechanisms and measures in place to ensure the £100 million for reductions in waiting lists is used effectively, and to explain the practical differences between the previous approaches to NHS funding and the new Government's approach. We want to understand how these investments will drive sustainable improvement rather than short-term recovery measures.
Moving on to the allocation of funding arising from the one-off special educational needs and disabilities consequential. Firstly, we recognise that the principle that Barnett consequentials do not have to be spent in the same way as funding allocated in England is an important principle. We also recognise the very real pressures facing additional learning needs services across Wales in the here and now. The Cabinet Minister told us that this one-off consequential has been absorbed into wider budget management. That inevitably raises questions about sustainability in other areas. We therefore ask her to explain how allocations enabled by this one-off consequential will be managed in future years, when that funding is no longer available. The Cabinet Minister told us the Government wants to work with local government and develop a more sustainable model for additional learning needs provision, recognising the significant pressure in the system. That is why we're seeking greater clarity on both the scale of the challenge and the Government's plan to manage these pressures.
The committee noted the Government's plans to expand funded childcare. The supplementary budget includes £55 million to accelerate the roll-out of funded childcare for two-year-olds and to support the wider expansion of the childcare offer. We asked the Cabinet Minister to confirm how many places the £55 million allocation will support, what outcomes are expected from the funding and how those outcomes will be monitored and reported.
We will now turn to capital budgets. The Government has chosen to allocate virtually all available capital funding at this stage of the year. We understand the rationale and recognise the benefits of allocating capital funding early to facilitate delivery and support economic activity, however, that approach also leaves limited flexibility should circumstances change. We're particularly concerned by reports that UK Government decisions associated with defence investment could have implications for Welsh capital budgets. We asked the Cabinet Minister to provide an assessment of the implications of the UK Government's defence investment plan and any consequences for Welsh Government capital budgets.
Too often, debate focuses solely on the amounts of money being spent; the Finance Committee understands that what matters most is what that money delivers. We look forward to the Cabinet Minister's response and to continue our scrutiny of these issues as the financial year progresses. Diolch, Lywydd.
The Welsh Conservatives want to begin by recognising the importance of the proposal in front of us today, and commend the Member for bringing it forward. I had the privilege, Deputy Presiding Officer, of serving on a fostering panel for nearly 10 years in a previous role, and it gives you a real insight as to the importance of the work that takes place in local authorities currently.
Of course, corporate parenting, at its best, is about the state acting, when required, as a responsible parent should, with consistency, care, attention, love, compassion and a genuine focus on that child's long-term future—all the things that a birth parent should do, but in all areas. It is reflected in the motion in front of us today. It's quite striking that this seems to be required to take place. I think many people, our constituents, would assume that this role of corporate parenting is already embedded within public bodies across Wales. I think they would be surprised to see a motion like this having to be tabled here today. So, I certainly commend the Member for bringing it forward.
I also want to acknowledge the positive role of the 2026 legislation referenced at a UK level, affecting young people in England, the recognition of that as improving those life chances of care-experienced children. And it requires a whole-system approach. It's absolutely right that Wales now considers how best to achieve the same ambition. If stronger corporate parenting responsibilities across public bodies are helping those children in England, then why should we expect anything less for children here in Wales? I absolutely support the principle that every part of the public sector should play its part in improving outcomes for looked-after children and care leavers. I think it's the very least that people would expect.
I just want to touch on a point—I appreciate time really is flying for this matter today; it's a 30-minute debate for such an important item today. I'm not sure whether that's usual for Members' legislative proposals, but it does feel like quite a tight timescale, because, whilst I hope there's support for this legislation in this place today, there's also a conversation needed around the implementation of this as well. Because we know public services are stretched at the moment, and it's essential that any new duties are backed by resources, workforce capacity and clear guidance to make it meaningful in practice as well. So, I'd be interested to hear the Government's views on that. Because we cannot simply place new statutory responsibilities on already stretched services and expect better outcomes without giving them the tools to succeed. I think we've seen that happen time and time again when things are agreed in this place, when the resources don't follow to enable things to be enacted fully and properly.
So, I will conclude, Deputy Presiding Officer, by saying that we will support this legislative proposal. We're also really keen to engage constructively, as it progresses, to ensure that these duties are matched by the resources and workforce capacity needed to make it effective as well. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I'm grateful to the Member for raising the question in this place, First Minister. You'll know that, on these benches, there's been strong and consistent support for the city of culture bid in Wrexham. And you'll also recognise the role that businesses, and particularly the small, independent businesses, will play if successful in this bid. They will be at the heart of ensuring that there's a great welcome for people to showcase all that Wrexham has to offer. So, I wonder if you could share how you think the Welsh Government could support those small and independent businesses, if this bid is successful, to make the most of this opportunity, and make sure they have the support they need to be able to see economic success off the back of this, if successful.
I'd like to ask the Welsh Government for a statement outlining how they would expect councils to interact with elected Members in their area. I recently received a protocol from Flintshire County Council. It's described as a protocol for dealing with Members of the Senedd and Members of Parliament and their constituency staff. This is a four-page document, and there's quite a worrying line within this that says that MSs and MPs are asked not to liaise directly with councillors, and the council has asked that its councillors must not engage directly with MSs or MPs outside this process, unless expressly authorised by the chief executive. Now, I would find that wholly inappropriate that elected councillors have to get the permission of a chief executive to speak to other elected members. I'd appreciate a statement from the Welsh Government on their views on this and whether Flintshire County Council are perhaps barking up the wrong tree.
Diolch, Lywydd. Deputy Minister, last year, Welsh Government funded 43,500 learners to attend courses at further education colleges in Wales. The actual number of learners enrolled last year was 47,500 learners. Some 4,000 learners were not funded to attend the courses that they wished to attend. And in this academic year, in September, it's predicted that 50,000 learners will enrol in courses in FE colleges across Wales—a very welcome number, of course, but funding only sits at 46,000 learners currently.
Colleges are therefore faced with a stark choice of either finding around £13 million internally, putting learners on waiting lists, or turning learners away, with, of course, a risk of driving up those not in education, employment or training. So, Deputy Minister, could you tell us what you expect to happen here? Are you expecting waiting lists in colleges to grow, or will additional funding be found to support these additional places?
Thank you for your response, Deputy Minister. You will, of course, have seen this trend previously, as you were a member of the Children, Young People and Education Committee. When you were on that committee, you were challenging the chief executive of Medr on avoiding putting students on waiting lists. Of course, it's welcome to have some additional funding in this year—the £6.25 million that you mentioned—but that is some way off the £30 million that is required. Of course, we don't want to see students on waiting lists, especially those who are eager to learn, because we want to see more students learning, progressing through that process and then into work. When you were on that CYPE committee, Deputy Minister, you highlighted the £25 million, at that point, of unfunded delivery that colleges were having to face. So, there's still a funding gap and it's still likely for students to be put on waiting lists if that funding isn't made available. You were keen to see those waiting lists eradicated when you weren't in Government. Has your position now changed?
I'm very pleased to be able to support this motion here today, and certainly grateful to the Member for tabling it, and to everybody so far who has spoken so powerfully in this place.
We've already heard of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences can have a profound impact on people's lives, and we're already aware, of course, that that's not just through their childhood, but they can shape educational outcomes, mental health, relationships, employment and physical well-being well into adulthood. And, of course, it's very important that early intervention takes place, but we also need to ensure that there's access to the right support for people who do disclose, or are going through reliving traumatic experiences later on as an adult as well.
We heard from the Member who presented the motion that it can take, on average, for any victims of childhood sexual abuse 26 years to disclose that abuse. At that stage, someone's well into their adulthood and needs appropriate support through that. It's in that context that, last week, I had the privilege of spending time with Stepping Stones, who are based in my constituency of Fflint Wrecsam, a fantastic charity that supports adult survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as supporting their wider families, carers and friends. Seeing their work first-hand was a powerful reminder that while policy is important, it absolutely has to be done right. It's often charities and community organisations that provide the support that people rely on day to day. It is important that those organisations, whilst commissioned perhaps by public bodies, whether it's health or local authorities, in this context, it's actually really important to have organisations that sit outside of Government, in a sense, because of issues of trust that can occur at times, with services that have existed for people in the past.
It's the dedicated staff and professional counsellors at Stepping Stones who provide a safe environment and services, aiming to protect and preserve the good health, both mental and physical, of people who've been victims of sexual abuse, and in particular by the provision of therapeutic intervention and individual and group counselling. That kind of counselling and therapeutic support can make an enormous difference, not only in helping individuals in the place they're in today, but also in preventing challenges from becoming more severe and requiring more intensive public services later on down the track—something that's already been alluded to in this place this afternoon.
But, Deputy Presiding Officer, one issue they raised with me last week really stood out, and it was that, despite the vital work they do, they operate with significant uncertainty, because much of their funding is allocated on an annual basis, and people who make use of those services need to know that those services and that support are there not just for this year, but for future years as well. Long-term support is absolutely necessary. So, currently, every year, this organisation, Stepping Stones, must reapply for funding without any guarantee that it will continue. Often, decisions are not confirmed until well into the financial year, making it incredibly difficult to plan services, retain those experienced staff or invest for the future.
Cabinet Minister, I appreciate that public finances are under pressure, but organisations delivering essential trauma-informed services should not have to spend so much time worrying about whether they will still exist the following year. As I say, the people who require that support need to know that services are there into the future as well. So, I wonder, in the Cabinet Minister's response, whether she would consider whether longer term funding arrangements could be introduced for charities such as this and, on the multi-year funding where appropriate, whether that would provide greater stability, allow organisations such as Stepping Stones to plan ahead, retain those skilled counsellors and focus their time on supporting those who need them, rather than continually bidding for short-term funding grants.
If we're serious about supporting people who've gone through these adverse childhood experiences, we must be serious about providing that sustainable support for the organisations doing this work day in and day out. I'm certainly grateful to everyone at Stepping Stones for welcoming me last week and for sharing their experiences. Their passion and dedication are really clear to see, and I hope the Welsh Government will reflect on the challenges that they have highlighted. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
We are, of course, today debating the use of the additional funding for additional learning needs through the first supplementary budget. But, at its heart, this is about whether the system of funding is actually keeping pace with the reality in our schools—and I will take a moment to declare a potential interest as an LEA governor of a school in north Wales. No-one disputes the importance of ensuring children and young people with additional learning needs need to receive the support that they require. That duty is fundamental to a fair education system. But the question we must ask is whether the funding is reaching the front line in a way that reflects the scale and urgency of need today.
There is a need absolutely for a debate around sustainable funding for ALN, but we're not addressing the need that is very present today, and I wonder if this has been properly understood by the Welsh Government. We heard a few moments ago from the previous education Minister that when that money was announced, she was asking for that money to be passported through to schools for ALN. I'm not sure the education Minister now is asking the same questions of the finance Minister, whether she's banging that door for that money to go to schools here in Wales, because, across Wales, schools are under significant financial pressures as ALN demands continue to rise. They would want their Government here in Wales to ensure they are properly funded to support those children.
Headteachers and governing bodies are increasingly being forced to absorb costs within already stretched budgets, and, in many cases, schools are running deficits not because of mismanagement, but because they're having to meet statutory responsibilities without sufficient timely funding to match rising need. And instead of additional learning needs provision being fully resourced through a coherent system, the burden has been shifted onto individual schools. Staff are being asked to do more with less, and school budgets are being stretched to breaking point. That is not sustainable and it risks undermining both educational outcomes and staff retention.
Here in Wales, too often, schools are left carrying the financial risk directly, with deficits building up at school level rather than being properly managed at a system level, and I think this is where, perhaps, some of the misunderstanding has come about. We've already heard from colleagues across the Chamber that the debt sits around ALN funding at an individual school level. To say that councils will not receive the same one-off funding to write off special education debts accumulated by local government in England because those debts do not exist in Wales in the same way does not reflect the reality on the ground. Of course, most of these pressures will not appear neatly labelled as an ALN debt on a budget ledger, but they are the reason why so many schools in Wales are now running those significant deficit budgets. Schools are running tens of millions of pounds in deficits. That is a very real debt within our education system, and ALN forms a substantial part of that pressure. And, yes, there has to be a sustainable way of dealing with that, but it has to be recognised and dealt with today also.
So, while today's motion rightly focuses on consequential funding and the importance of ensuring that money intended for special educational needs is used effectively, we also need to ensure that funding flows are transparent, timely and sufficient to meet actual demand today. If we're serious about improving outcomes for learners with ALN, we cannot continue a situation where schools are effectively subsidising the system through budget deficit. That approach, which is happening right now, is hollowing out wider school provision, as resources are diverted away from teaching support staff and wider learning well-being. So, I'd ask the Welsh Government directly: how will you ensure that today's pressures are being met for additional learning needs? Absolutely, there has to be a debate around sustainable funding of ALN, but the money is there today to deal with today's pressures and to deal with the deficits that schools have built up as a result of ALN. I would urge all Members to support this motion in front of us today.
Gwyn Williams was absolutely right to point to the challenge around retaining our hard-working teachers at the moment as well, First Minister. A recent survey by one teaching union showed that 38 per cent of teachers here in Wales have experienced some sort of violence in the classroom in the last 12 months, and a number of teachers are now telling us that one of the significant reasons why they're leaving the profession is because of violence and terrible behaviour in the classroom. So, First Minister, what will you do to tackle these challenges that teachers are experiencing in the classrooms, so that our teachers can feel safe doing the job that they love to do?
Diolch, Lywydd. Cabinet Minister, will the Welsh Government be carrying out a council tax revaluation in this Senedd term?
Thank you for your response. There is clearly growing public concern around the potential revaluation of properties and the introduction of new bands. Households across Wales are already under real pressure from the cost of living. Many will therefore be worried about changes to the system leading to higher bills, at a time when they can least afford it. And you would agree, of course, that any revaluation must be approached with real caution, being transparent, evidence-based and subject to full consultation with the public and with local authorities. People would also expect reassurances that this would not be a tax-raising exercise in disguise, but a fair and balanced reform of the system. They will want clear detail on the impact of any changes, who would pay more, and crucially how the Welsh Government intends to prevent unfair pressures on ordinary households. So, will you be able to give assurances today that, if you do go ahead with the council tax revaluation, ordinary households will not be left worse off as a result?
At this time of global football fever, I am pleased to welcome the fact that the Football Association of Wales will be hosting the UEFA European under-19 championship in north Wales this summer, between 28 June and 11 July. It's an important moment for Welsh football and for our wider communities. The tournament will bring together some of the most talented young players from across Europe, showcasing the next generation of elite international footballers on our doorstep. It's particularly significant that matches will be hosted across multiple venues in north Wales, including at the Racecourse in my own constituency of Fflint Wrecsam, bringing international football directly back into the heart of the city and building on Wrexham's growing profile within the game. Training will also take place across a range of community facilities, including in Fflint Wrecsam at Colliers Park, highlighting the importance of our grass-roots infrastructure in delivering international events of this scale. This championship, Llywydd, presents a real opportunity for people of all ages to experience international football in their own communities, inspiring the next generation. I would encourage all Members to support efforts to raise awareness of the tournament and get to a game in north Wales if you can. Diolch yn fawr.
There's clearly a health crisis in Wales. We've heard it from many Members across this Chamber so far in this debate. I was pleased to hear the previous speaker from Plaid Cymru—and I certainly appreciate his clinical experience in this field—but we've also heard so far of the experience of many people in this Chamber of broken promises. When those services have been rearranged, it often leads to that downgrading. To address the point from the Member for Plaid Cymru who spoke a moment ago, what we're calling for as Welsh Conservatives is trying to deal with that fear of ongoing future adjustments, which inevitably leads to downgrading of those services.
When I speak to my constituents in Fflint Wrecsam about healthcare in Wales, they talk about access and waiting times. People tell me it's not working as it should. It's very much the same message that I've been hearing across this Chamber so far. The Minister will know that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been in special measures for a decade now. Despite the efforts and professionalism of staff on the ground, people in north Wales have faced years of pressures on services, long waiting times and real difficulty accessing care when they need it. As part of dealing with this, as an example, we are here to call on the Welsh Government to provide clear, long-term stability for our local healthcare network, specifically asking for that definitive commitment that rules out any further hospital closures or the downgrading of services. On this, I speak for the constituents of Fflint Wrecsam. They need a guarantee of that service continuity to give that confidence back into my constituency that those services are there for them in the future.
To understand why this is so important, we must see how our healthcare system is functioning on the ground. Consider the position of Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The Maelor acts as a central acute anchor for my constituents. It's no secret that the hospital is already operating at and often beyond its intended capacity. If services are downgraded or removed from surrounding areas, those patients, as the Minister understands, will not just disappear, they're simply displaced, and the vast majority will end up at the Maelor's emergency department and clinics. You cannot reduce capacity in one part of my constituency without creating an unmanageable domino effect at the main acute site at Maelor.
Sadly, we're seeing other examples of this taking place currently. I have a group of residents in Saltney Ferry who can't even register with a GP, they're not covered by a GP practice. It's a strange anomaly. Many of those in that community are now having to access primary care in England because that availability is not there for them here in Wales. What we then see, if people can't access their GP, is that they're ending up at the A&E departments. They've got nowhere else to go.
There are some other specific challenges facing my constituents in Fflint Wrecsam. Over the years, Flintshire has already experienced the loss of those community hospital beds and local minor injury provision, similar to what colleagues across the Chamber have already pointed to. That further centralisation of services away from towns and villages around Fflint Wrecsam is a regressive step. Local clinics and community beds are essential, they manage health issues early and prevent the major hospitals, especially at Wrexham Maelor, from becoming overwhelmed.
Minister, I would say that geography and infrastructure must support healthcare policy, not just administrative convenience. Of course, our proximity in Fflint Wrexham to the English border means that any reduction in Welsh NHS capacity risks putting more pressure on those cross-border services, complicating care pathways for patients that I represent.
Finally, Llywydd, I want to mention hospice and palliative care. This is some of the most important work in the entire health system. While not necessarily directly funded for all the services they provide, they are vital facilities, taking significant pressure off directly funded NHS services. I spent some time again last week with Nightingale House Hospice in my constituency, and it's clear to see the incredible work they and hospices across Wales do for patients and families at the hardest times in their lives. They provide dignity, comfort and support when people need it most. But we've already seen in north Wales vital services in hospice and palliative care being cut back due to funding not being enough. I continue to hear from hospices their concerns about funding and long-term stability. We do not want to see those facilities being withdrawn in Wales, and particularly in the area I represent. If we say we value dignity in healthcare, then hospice care has to be properly supported so it can continue to deliver those vital services that people in Wales need.
In closing, Llywydd, I want to see certainty and security in healthcare. We need an explicit commitment to maintain our current hospital services, protect our local beds and invest sustainably in the healthcare infrastructure here in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
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