Siambr · Shav Taj
Written questions
55 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 2.
WQ101142 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the latest guidance issued to health boards on detecting deliberate misuse of medicines by staff?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101140 · Tabled · No answer published
When will women in Wales have meaningful access to surgical abortion, including after 14 weeks, and what is being done in the meantime to ensure women who need to travel for it have a clear, supported NHS referral pathway?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101139 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Welsh Government match the investment or provide additional funding towards the delivery of the Cardiff Parkway project, following the UK Government's allocation of £30 million to progress the delivery of the station over the next year?
To be answered by: First Minister
WQ101093 · Tabled · No answer published
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to whether its proposed further education funding reductions will undermine its objectives on childcare, employability, poverty reduction, workforce skills and Jobs Growth Wales+ by reducing curriculum provision, learner support services and access to specialist training programmes?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
WQ101090 · Tabled · No answer published
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with the UK Government on the impact of industrial electricity prices on the competitiveness of Welsh steel producers and the action needed to secure a level playing field with international competitors?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
WQ101082 · Tabled · No answer published
What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the UK Government regarding the UK Energy Wealth Fund, and how does it intend to maximise the economic benefits for Wales arising from investments in energy infrastructure, supply chains and local communities?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
WQ101081 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Welsh Government establish and maintain a critical commodities risk register covering energy, healthcare, manufacturing, food security, digital infrastructure and other strategic dependencies?
To be answered by: First Minister
WQ101080 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Welsh Government undertake and publish a strategic supply chain vulnerability assessment covering the Welsh economy, public services and critical infrastructure?
To be answered by: First Minister
WQ101079 · Tabled · No answer published
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of Wales's exposure to disruption at global trade chokepoints including the Strait of Hormuz, the Red sea, the Suez canal, and the Taiwan Strait?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
WQ101064 · Tabled · No answer published
How will the Cabinet Minister ensure that nature recovery is central to the Welsh Government's land-use policy?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
WQ100929 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with local authorities to help promote and enable wheelchair accessible taxis across Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Welsh Government officials regularly engage with local authority licensing managers and the Welsh Local Government Association on taxi and private hire vehicle policy, including through pan-Wales licensing forums.
Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing is a matter for local authorities. In carrying out their licensing functions, local authorities are required under the Public Sector Equality Duty to have due regard to the need to eliminate conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010 and the need to advance equality of opportunities for disabled people.
To support local authorities, the Welsh Government published guidance to promote greater consistency in taxi and private hire vehicle licensing across Wales. This includes accessibility and equality training resources co-produced with disabled passengers with lived experiences, to help the trade better understand and meet the needs of passengers, including wheelchair users.
WQ100899 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to implement the findings of the Family-Friendly and Inclusive Parliament review of the Sixth Senedd?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Family-Friendly and Inclusive Parliament Review Board’s report, A Senedd for All, contains 43 recommendations, three of which are directed to the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government is considering the most appropriate way to respond to those recommendations.
WQ100898 · Tabled · No answer published
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to eliminate inequalities in employment and economic activity for disabled women?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
WQ100897 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to eliminate inequalities in employment and economic activity for ethnic minority women?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Addressing the gender pay gap is not only a matter of fairness but also an economic imperative. Enabling women to enter, remain and progress in work helps tackle economic inactivity, makes better use of the skills and talents, and supports our productivity mission by helping to build a stronger economy with more jobs, better jobs and higher wages. We are taking forward a range of measures to support these objectives, not least through our plans to expand the provision of affordable childcare.
We recognise that some women face multiple and intersecting barriers to employment and progression. Through our Disabled People’s Rights Plan and Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, we are taking action to improve employment outcomes for ethnic minority and disabled women, address barriers to progression and strengthen representation and inclusion in the workplace. These actions form part of our wider commitment to reduce labour market inequalities, narrow the gender pay gap and enable more women to enter, remain and progress in work.
WQ100896 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to end the gender pay gap?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Addressing the gender pay gap is not only a matter of fairness but also an economic imperative. Enabling women to enter, remain and progress in work helps tackle economic inactivity, makes better use of the skills and talents, and supports our productivity mission by helping to build a stronger economy with more jobs, better jobs and higher wages. We are taking forward a range of measures to support these objectives, not least through our plans to expand the provision of affordable childcare.
We recognise that some women face multiple and intersecting barriers to employment and progression. Through our Disabled People’s Rights Plan and Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, we are taking action to improve employment outcomes for ethnic minority and disabled women, address barriers to progression and strengthen representation and inclusion in the workplace. These actions form part of our wider commitment to reduce labour market inequalities, narrow the gender pay gap and enable more women to enter, remain and progress in work.
WQ100822 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any difficulties of maintaining nutritional standards in school meals this winter, given the potential impact on the resilience of vegetable supplies following drought and wildfire impacts in parts of Europe, and what contingency measures are in place?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations allow adaptations to menus in response to changes in supply. Responsibility for procurement, school meal menu planning, and compliance rests with local authorities and their catering providers. While seasonal and supply chain pressures are managed locally, Welsh Government remains engaged with local authorities and stakeholders to monitor any emerging supply issues.
WQ100749 · Tabled · Answered
Will data centre planning applications be held up by the Welsh Government pending the publication of the framework arising from the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales’ investigation into digital infrastructure?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy set out in the Siambr at the end of September that that we have commissioned work in relation to data centre policy and we will be setting this out as soon as we can.
In the meantime, any data centre proposal remains subject to the existing planning system and environmental regulation, with robust checks and balances in place to ensure that environmental and community impacts are properly considered. Planning policy is kept under constant review, and we have the option to introduce specific planning policies in relation to data centres if considered necessary.
WQ100743 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve employment outcomes for unpaid carers in Wales, in light of evidence highlighted by Carers Wales and TUC Cymru that unpaid carers are unable to access existing workplace rights and that a lack of support contributes to carers leaving employment?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
We recognise the vital contribution unpaid carers make to families, communities and the wider economy, and understand that many carers reduce their hours or leave work altogether because of their caring responsibilities.
We know that remaining in paid employment, where possible, is crucial to the financial wellbeing of carers and their families, and that unpaid carers are disproportionately affected by poverty. We recognise the evidence from Carers Wales and TUC Cymru that statutory rights alone are not enough if carers are unaware of their entitlements, cannot afford to take unpaid leave, or do not feel supported to exercise their rights.
We have highlighted unpaid carers within our Programme for Government. Carers’ ability to remain in work often depends on access to sufficient care and support services by the person with care needs, and we have committed to strengthening the social care system.
We are publishing our new National Strategy for Unpaid Carers in November. Based on what carers have told us matters most to them, we are prioritising financial hardship and paid employment as an area for action. We will be identifying improved means to support unpaid carers to remain in or return to employment and promote awareness of carers’ rights. To do this, we will be seeking to engage with employers and trade unions to improve awareness and support for working carers.
We also know from listening to carers that availability of replacement care and respite are vital to allow carers to balance their caring responsibilities with work, education and other aspects of everyday life. Access to respite and replacement care is a further area for priority action in our new strategy and we will be seeking to actively work with local authorities and Regional Partnership Boards to achieve improvement.
We continue to fund Carers Wales to provide support and advice for carers in paid employment and to promote carer-friendly practice among employers and trade unions. This includes targeted awareness activity, e-learning and engagement with employability services. We are working with Carers Wales to consider how best to target resources next year for the greatest impact.
While employment rights are largely reserved to the UK Government, we are taking action to encourage employers to adopt fair work practices, including flexible working arrangements that better enable people to balance work with caring responsibilities. Our employability programmes, including Communities for Work Plus, provide tailored support to people facing barriers to employment, including those with caring responsibilities, helping them move closer to the labour market and access employment opportunities.
WQ100680 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to establishing a dedicated capital fund for local authorities to support the higher repair and maintenance costs of heritage and listed school buildings, including Roath Park Primary School and Albany Primary School?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Local and diocesan authorities are responsible for managing school maintenance and assessing building conditions in line with good estate management. They are also best placed to prioritise repair and maintenance for their school estate.
Addressing the condition of school buildings in Wales is a priority for the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. While the Welsh Government recognises that heritage and listed buildings can present additional repair and maintenance challenges, support is currently provided through a range of capital and revenue funding streams rather than through a dedicated fund.
To date, nearly £500m has been invested (£380m capital and £114m revenue) through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme’s Capital Repairs and Maintenance funding with a further £24m allocated to schools at the start of 2026–27.
In addition, the Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language approved a further £40m of Capital Maintenance Funding for schools this financial year. Cardiff Council has been allocated £7.1m from this maintenance funding to support the upkeep of school buildings, ensuring they remain safe, secure and fit for learners and staff.
Local authorities receive unhypothecated capital funding to support capital maintenance and improvement projects. In 2026-27, the total allocation is £115.2m, including £12m for Cardiff. Local authorities can also access supported borrowing, with £88.8m available in 2026-27, including £9.2m for Cardiff.
WQ100538 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the acreage required for any proposed data centres to be net-zero, either from solar or wind generation?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
It is for individual projects to consider how their proposal will align with Welsh Government policies including net zero.
The Welsh Government is keen to support co-location of clean and renewable energy projects alongside future data centre developments. As part of the National Energy Strategy, we are setting new emission-based targets for Wales and overall energy consumption of AI data centres and other industries will be considered as part of that work.
I am also considering further policy options in relation to AI and data centres more broadly.
WQ100447 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister set out how the town centre taskforce will consult residents across Wales, including constituents in Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, regarding the development of their town centres and high streets and the implementation of policies to support small businesses?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Town Centre Taskforce is currently being established, and its detailed programme of work is being finalised. The Taskforce will consider evidence and perspectives from communities, businesses and stakeholders across Wales as it develops recommendations for Welsh Ministers. Arrangements for evidence gathering, engagement and participation will be developed as part of the Taskforce's programme of work, and further details will be published in due course.
WQ100445 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister share the terms of reference for the newly established town centre taskforce, and provide an update on their work since its leadership was announced on 11 August?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Town Centre Taskforce is being established as a time-limited advisory group to consider the evidence on the challenges facing town centres, identify practical solutions and make recommendations to Welsh Ministers. The Terms of Reference, including the detailed scope, objectives and programme of work for the Taskforce, are currently being finalised with the co-chairs and will be published in due course.
Since the co-chairs were announced on 11 August, they have met with Welsh Government officials to help shape the Taskforce’s proposed scope, objectives and approach. Invitations have been issued to prospective members, with the inaugural meeting expected to take place during the week commencing 28 September. The Taskforce is expected to present its final recommendations in spring 2027.
WQ100391 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister share the impact assessment that was undertaken before the decision was taken to suspend all case referrals through the Welsh Gender Service?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Substantive response
WQ100363 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Cabinet Minister's timetable for achieving a resolution to the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health visitors' band 7 pay dispute?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
This remains a local employment dispute between Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Unite. An offer intended to resolve the dispute was made by the Health Board but was not accepted.
I recognise the impact that the continued dispute may have on children, families and the health visitors delivering these important services. While there is no fixed timetable for resolution, I continue to encourage all parties to work together to achieve an agreed way forward at the earliest opportunity.
WQ100362 · Tabled · Answered
Which social partners, including trade unions, informed the Welsh Government's response to the UK Government's consultation on reforms to zero-hours and similar contracts?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
We have mature and established social partnership and workforce engagement arrangements which helped inform our position, alongside input from relevant Welsh Government policy interests and discussions with UK Government officials. We also know many social partners have responded individually to the UK Government consultation, reflecting their own and distinct views on these issues.
WQ100361 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Welsh Government submitted a response to the UK Government's consultation on reforms to zero-hours and similar contracts, and if so, will it publish its submission?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I have written to the UK Government Minister for Employment Rights setting out the Welsh Government’s position. My letter made it clear that we support reforms to bring an end to the use of one-sided and exploitative zero-hour contracts. It is my belief that these reforms will help provide workers with greater certainty and predictability over their working hours and shift patterns. These are important steps in delivering fairer working conditions.
WQ100303 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Cabinet Minister intend to deliver reforms to pay and conditions for school support staff without establishing a school support staff negotiating body?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
We are working with our social partners to scope the options for ensuring that school staff are supported and valued in their roles. The mechanisms, legislative or otherwise, for implementation will depend on the option(s) selected.
WQ100302 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline the timetable for resolving the trade dispute with NAHT Cymru and ASCL Cymru over pay and additional learning needs funding?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I am committed to engaging with our social partners on these important matters. The statutory consultation on the teacher pay award for the 2026/27 academic year will run from 2 September to 30 September 2026. Discussions regarding Additional Learning Needs funding are ongoing.
WQ100301 · Tabled · Answered
What date does the Cabinet Minister expect the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board health visitors dispute to be resolved?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
This remains a local employment dispute between Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Unite. An offer intended to resolve the dispute was made by the Health Board but was not accepted.
I recognise the impact that the continued dispute may have on children, families and the health visitors delivering these important services. While there is no fixed timetable for resolution, I continue to encourage all parties to work together to achieve an agreed way forward at the earliest opportunity.
WQ100270 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that communities will benefit where data centres are proposed, including through local jobs, skills and supply-chain opportunities, while mitigating any negative impacts on infrastructure, water resources and local amenities?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Substantive response
WQ100118 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to the independent assessment of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board's recent publication stating that staff felt 'anger at the decision to not progress with the design and construction of a new hospital'?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I welcome the independent assessment undertaken by NHS Performance and Improvement and recognise the concerns expressed by staff regarding the future of healthcare infrastructure within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The Welsh Government has supported the Health Board through funding comprehensive condition surveys of both the University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough sites. These surveys provide an evidence-based assessment of the condition and resilience of the estate and are intended to inform future strategic planning decisions.
We are now awaiting the Health Board's updated Estate Plan and supporting Business Case proposals. Once received, Welsh Government officials will work closely with the Health Board to assess the proposals and determine the most appropriate way forward.
WQ100164 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure that funding for the real living wage and a future fair pay deal for care workers, includes full working time for home care workers, including travel time and other work-related duties?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Welsh Government recognises that fair pay is fundamental to valuing the social care workforce, and improving pay, terms and conditions for this skilled and dedicated sector remains a key priority.
The Welsh Government provides significant funding to support payment of the Real Living Wage. It is for commissioners and employers to ensure this funding is passed on appropriately and reflects the full costs of employment. We strongly encourage employers to remunerate workers for all working time, including travel time and other work-related duties. We are currently engaging with local authorities and health boards to strengthen monitoring arrangements for the implementation of the Real Living Wage, better understand barriers to delivery, and identify where workers may not be receiving the intended benefits.
While employment law is not devolved, Fair Pay Agreements will, for the first time, provide a mechanism through which pay, terms and conditions agreed by a Social Care Negotiating Body for Wales can be made enforceable across the sector. This will provide an important opportunity to consider issues relating to working time, including travel time and other work-related duties, alongside broader pay and conditions arrangements.
We continue to work closely with the Social Care Fair Work Forum, which brings together trade unions, employers, local government and Welsh Government to improve pay, terms and conditions across the sector and support the practical implementation of fair work principles.
The development of a Social Care Negotiating Body will provide a formal collective bargaining mechanism through which employers and trade unions can negotiate pay, terms and conditions. The Body will be supported by the latest research, evidence and workforce data on the challenges facing the sector, including issues relating to pay and working time, to help inform any future agreements.
WQ100161 · Tabled · Answered
Following the Cabinet Minister's announcement that legislation on a Community Right to Buy will be introduced, a) what rights will communities have under the proposed legislation, b) how will it differ from existing community asset transfer arrangements, and c) what support will be available to help communities acquire and manage local assets?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Community Right to Buy scheme is currently under development and policy officials have begun engaging with partners on options on the overall design. I do not want to pre-empt the outcome of discussions that are being progressed as it is important that stakeholder views are heard to help inform the scope of the scheme. However, the Prif Weinidog did set out in his legislative statement on the 14 July that the intention of the Community Right to Buy scheme will ‘provide the legislative basis to enable community groups to nominate and register valuable assets to be given the right of first refusal when the owners decide to sell’.
It is anticipated that a consultation on proposals will be published for further consideration in the Autumn.
WQ100155 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99954, will the Government provide a list of external partners that it has identified which would need to be relied on to verify baby-loss certificates?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Welsh Government has been working with the NHS Business Services Authority to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate scheme for Wales, similar to that which they already deliver in England. Verification requirements have been considered through the discovery and implementation work. At this stage, no separate list of external partners has been identified outside of UK Government.
WQ100108 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with Natural Resources Wales about the impact that horizontal ploughing compared with vertical ploughing has on erosion and flooding, and does the Welsh Government have any plans to mandate horizontal ploughing in Pen y Fan, or in any other area?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I recognise that cultivation methods can influence soil erosion and water runoff. While cultivating across slopes can be beneficial in some circumstances, the most appropriate approach depends on local conditions such as slope, soil type and weather. For that reason, we do not currently plan to mandate horizontal ploughing in Wales.
The Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) supports farmers to undertake actions that protect soils and water resources, while maintaining sustainable food production.
We will continue to engage with Natural Resources Wales, and other partners, to support an evidence-led, site-specific approach to sustainable land management that protects soils and water resources.
WQ100117 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm do the terms of reference of the national food strategy expert working group include consideration of the impact of low pay, insecure work and employment protections on food insecurity, and how will these issues inform the development of the national food strategy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The terms of reference of the Expert Working Group are still being finalised and are not yet available. A Chair has been appointed, and work is underway to agree the group's terms of reference. I expect to provide an update to Members in early September.
WQ100116 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish the membership and terms of reference of the national food strategy expert working group, and confirm whether organisations working directly on food insecurity, including FareShare Cymru, are represented on the group?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The final membership and terms of reference of the Expert Working Group are still being finalised and are not yet available. A Chair has been appointed, and work is underway to agree the group's functions and wider membership. I expect to provide an update to Members in early September.
WQ100107 · Tabled · Answered
What criteria will be used to determine the lead members of the Carr-Hill formula review and will there will be representatives from Cardiff on the panel?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The review of the GP funding allocation formula, including the Carr-Hill methodology, will be taken forward through a robust programme of work involving Welsh Government officials, health board representatives and the general practice profession. The membership and leadership arrangements for the review are being finalised, but the work will be informed by appropriate clinical, financial and analytical expertise and will draw on external advice where necessary.
The review forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to strengthen primary care and ensure funding arrangements remain fair, sustainable and reflective of patient need and practice workload.
WQ100087 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish the evidence and analysis that informed the consultation on the classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes, including any assessment of the impact of changes to the 182-day letting threshold on local economies, employment and the tourism sector?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
I will write to you as soon as possible with a substantive response and a copy of the letter will be published on the internet.
WQ100078 · Tabled · Answered
What funding has the Welsh Government allocated to establishing a panel of economic experts to develop a new National Development Agency?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The 2026/7 budget did not include a specific allocation for establishing a new national development agency, so any associated costs will be managed as a pressure against the Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy MEG.
WQ99955 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any additional administrative burdens placed on domestic abuse refuge providers by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and what consideration has it given to exempting refuge accommodation from aspects of the Act?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
We are aware of concerns raised by the sector regarding the operational impact of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (the Act) on refuge providers. Within our 100-day plan, we have committed to immediately exempt refuges from the Act to ensure access to safe accommodation for survivors. Evidence shared by refuge providers indicates that the process for obtaining extensions where survivors remain in refuge accommodation beyond six months can create significant administration, requiring staff time that could otherwise be directed towards supporting survivors. Providers have also raised concerns about the implications of these requirements for the safe and effective operation of refuge services.
Ongoing consideration of the operation of the Act in relation to refuge accommodation has also drawn on evidence from the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 evaluation, including the research into the implications of the Renting Homes Act 2016 for refuge accommodation, and reflects the importance of ensuring any future approach is safe, proportionate and capable of delivering the intended protections for refuge services and the survivors who access them.
As with any potential legislative change, it is important that we follow due process and ensure that the views and experiences of survivors accessing these services are fully considered.
WQ99969 · Tabled · Answered
What cross-government action is being taken to mitigate the economic consequences of wildfires in Wales and safeguard jobs and livelihoods in affected areas?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I would like to thank the emergency services, their partners and volunteers for their dedicated response to these incidents.
A multi-agency response involving Fire and Rescue Services, Natural Resources Wales, the military and Welsh Government is supporting affected communities.
Business Wales provides advice and recovery support for affected businesses, while the Development Bank of Wales offers fast-track loans. Support is also available to help businesses retain staff and, where redundancies are unavoidable, Careers Wales, Working Wales and Jobcentre Plus can help people find alternative employment.
The Welsh Government is also working with partners to strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness and recovery, helping to protect communities, businesses, jobs and livelihoods and improve Wales's resilience to future wildfires.
WQ99967 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to introducing equivalent support for businesses in Welsh border communities to mitigate any competitive disadvantage arising from the UK Government's decision to reduce non-domestic rates for pubs, clubs and music venues in England from April 2027?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
I have noted the UK Government’s announcement on additional support for pubs, clubs and music venues in England. The implications for Wales will be considered once full details, including how this additional support will be funded, are available. Further information is expected as part of the UK Government’s Autumn Statement.
WQ99954 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the implementation of the baby loss certificate scheme, including the anticipated launch date, eligibility criteria, and arrangements for issuing bilingual certificates.
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care issued a Ministerial Direction to the NHS Business Services Authority to explore options for a bilingual baby loss certificate scheme for Wales. The discovery phase has been completed, including testing a bilingual digital journey with users in Wales. Officials are now considering feasibility options, costs and timescales.
The main barrier to implementation is the fact that, unlike in Scotland, Wales does not possess its own national records. As such, the Welsh Government cannot complete verification of such certificates and must rely on external partners to do so. The introduction of such a scheme – which remains the Welsh Government’s ambition – must therefore ensure that the relevant information is accessed securely and accurately. Officials have held discussions with Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) to explore potential options to this end.
These challenges notwithstanding, we are committed to the introduction of a voluntary scheme to enable people who have experienced a pre-24-week pregnancy loss to apply for a certificate, regardless of when the loss occurred, subject to final eligibility and verification arrangements. We will also ensure that the service, communications and certificates are available bilingually.
WQ99953 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline the issues that remain to be resolved before the construction of Cardiff Parkway can commence and the actions the Welsh Government is taking to address these, and when will construction work begin?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Cardiff Parkway is a private sector developer-led station proposal, supported by both Welsh and UK Governments. We are committed to working in collaboration with the developer and the UK Government on the development and delivery of the station. This includes agreeing a suitable funding and delivery package between the three parties to enable the construction of the station alongside the other five ‘Burns’ stations for which the UK Government has committed to providing funding for. We are working collaboratively with the Department for Transport and Network Rail via the Wales Rail Board to prioritise development and for commitment to begin construction on these stations.
WQ99905 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to renew the Taith programme beyond its current funding period, and what assessment has it made of the programme's impact on young people in Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Welsh Government are examining options for the future of the Taith programme, which will consider a range of factors, including the UK’s reassociation to the Erasmus+ programme in 2027. No decisions have been made at this stage regarding any future funding arrangements beyond the current programme period.
Taith is subject to independent evaluation arrangements. Wavehill was commissioned to undertake the inception and interim evaluations of the programme, and these reports are available on Taith’s website. The final evaluation is scheduled to report in early 2028 and will provide a comprehensive assessment of the programme's outcomes and impact.
WQ99152 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Cabinet Minister expect the condition survey of the University Hospital of Wales to be completed by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and when will the Welsh Government then assess the need to rebuild the hospital?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board presented the output from its condition survey work at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) to its Board in early 2026. The findings will now need to be considered by the Health Board as part of its wider planning for the future of the UHW site. Welsh Government officials continue to work with the Health Board as it develops its plans and assesses the options and timescales for any future investment in the site in accordance with its highest estate risks. Any proposals for future investment in NHS infrastructure must be considered within the wider context of the £1.4bn estate maintenance backlog inherited from the previous Welsh Government, and that decisions made by the current UK Government will result in an estimated 9% real terms contraction in Wales’ capital budget over the course of this Senedd term.
WQ99151 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Cabinet Minister ensure proper engagement with staff unions and service users during the condition survey of the University Hospital of Wales to ensure that any plans to rebuild the hospital are informed by the experiences of patients and staff on site?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is the statutory body responsible for planning and delivering healthcare services across its area, including at the University Hospital of Wales. As part of its consideration of future options for the site, I expect the Health Board to engage appropriately with staff, trade unions, patients and service users, to inform any proposals that may come forward. Any proposals for future investment in NHS infrastructure must be considered within the wider context of the £1.4bn estate maintenance backlog inherited from the previous Government.
WQ98999 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister strengthening Wales’s global social justice leadership across education, procurement, food policy, and public health by building on the Size of Wales's campaigns, the Wales and Africa programme, and Rhodri Morgan’s Fair Trade legacy?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
This Welsh Government will be international in our outlook and globally responsible. At a time of uncertainty across the world, our international engagement sends a clear signal that Wales is an outward-looking nation, committed to partnership, collaboration, and shared solutions.
Officials from the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department will shortly meet with Size of Wales to discuss their work including the important Deforestation Free Nation campaign.
Within my own portfolio, I have responsibility for Wales and Africa, including our long-standing commitment to Fair Trade Nation status. I look forward to engaging with representatives from the sector to discuss these important and enduring initiatives.
WQ98970 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support Sikh communities and ensure their safety in light of the Henry Nowak case?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Substantive answer
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