Siambr · Dan Thomas
Written questions
320 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 7.
WQ101132 · Tabled · No answer published
What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the hospitality sector regarding the use of any Barnett consequentials arising from proposed UK Government business rates policies?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Finance
WQ101131 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister explain the Welsh Government's reasons for not allocating to businesses the Barnett consequentials arising from business rates relief provided by the UK Government in England?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Finance
WQ101130 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Welsh Government use any Barnett consequentials arising from UK Government business rates relief measures to mitigate the increase in business rates liabilities facing hospitality businesses in Wales from April 2027?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Finance
WQ101129 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Welsh Government expand the lower retail multiplier to the pub sector to support bricks and mortar community businesses which cannot operate online?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Finance
WQ101128 · Tabled · No answer published
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to support for the hospitality sector in complying with a deposit return scheme that includes glass containers and does not align with other schemes across the United Kingdom?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
WQ100790 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment the Welsh Government has made of the impact of the scheduled reduction in business rates relief from April 2027 on hospitality businesses?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government is improving non-domestic rates support for eligible hospitality businesses from 1 April 2027, through the permanent rebalancing of the system set out in my oral statement on 15 September. The associated regulations were laid on 6 October, accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment and summary of the Welsh Government’s Integrated Impact Assessment.
WQ100789 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister ensure that Welsh pubs are not at a disadvantage to English pubs by ensuring that their business rates are frozen at the current level for the 2027-29 financial years and commit to implementing an additional 20 per cent cut?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government is improving non-domestic rates support for eligible hospitality businesses from 1 April 2027, through the permanent rebalancing of the system set out in my oral statement on 15 September. The associated regulations were laid on 6 October, accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment and summary of the Welsh Government’s Integrated Impact Assessment.
WQ100788 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister support Welsh pubs and live music venues by matching the 20 per cent additional business rates cut announced by the UK Government?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government is improving non-domestic rates support for eligible hospitality businesses from 1 April 2027, through the permanent rebalancing of the system set out in my oral statement on 15 September. The associated regulations were laid on 6 October, accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment and summary of the Welsh Government’s Integrated Impact Assessment.
WQ100787 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister extend the current 15 per cent reduction in business rates bills beyond this year through a real terms freeze to 2029 and an additional 20 per cent reduction for pubs, as modelled by the UK Government?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government is improving non-domestic rates support for eligible hospitality businesses from 1 April 2027, through the permanent rebalancing of the system set out in my oral statement on 15 September. The associated regulations were laid on 6 October, accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment and summary of the Welsh Government’s Integrated Impact Assessment.
WQ100711 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government ensure that glass containers sold into Wales that are in scope of the Deposit Return Scheme will be exempt from extended producer responsibility fees?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The inclusion of glass in the DRS was fully considered in the policy development and impact assessment processes undertaken in developing the regulations passed by the last Senedd. The Regulatory Impact Assessment concluded that the environmental benefits of including glass outweigh the associated costs.
In line with the regulations, the scheme will commence on 1 October 2027 alongside the schemes in the rest of the UK. With the vast majority of schemes internationally including glass within their scope, there is a wealth of experience available to support the implementation in Wales.
As set out in the regulations, glass drinks containers will also be subject to a four-year transition period, during which monetary deposits and scheme-specific labelling requirements will not apply, thereby providing further time for industry to adapt.
The reuse targets contained in the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 apply to the Deposit Management Organisation and form an important part of the legislation, which will support the widescale piloting and initial roll-out of reuse in line with the world’s best Deposit Return Schemes.
As an industry-led organisation appointed by the governments across the UK, Exchange for Change is very well placed to deliver Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in a way which ensures full UK-wide interoperability.
Once the scheme is operational, glass drinks containers within scope of the DRS will no longer be liable for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility waste disposal fees, ensuring a coherent approach across producer responsibility regimes while supporting Wales’ circular economy objectives.
WQ100710 · Tabled · Answered
Will the reuse targets included within the Deposit Return Scheme regulations still be applied given the lack of exemption from the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The inclusion of glass in the DRS was fully considered in the policy development and impact assessment processes undertaken in developing the regulations passed by the last Senedd. The Regulatory Impact Assessment concluded that the environmental benefits of including glass outweigh the associated costs.
In line with the regulations, the scheme will commence on 1 October 2027 alongside the schemes in the rest of the UK. With the vast majority of schemes internationally including glass within their scope, there is a wealth of experience available to support the implementation in Wales.
As set out in the regulations, glass drinks containers will also be subject to a four-year transition period, during which monetary deposits and scheme-specific labelling requirements will not apply, thereby providing further time for industry to adapt.
The reuse targets contained in the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 apply to the Deposit Management Organisation and form an important part of the legislation, which will support the widescale piloting and initial roll-out of reuse in line with the world’s best Deposit Return Schemes.
As an industry-led organisation appointed by the governments across the UK, Exchange for Change is very well placed to deliver Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in a way which ensures full UK-wide interoperability.
Once the scheme is operational, glass drinks containers within scope of the DRS will no longer be liable for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility waste disposal fees, ensuring a coherent approach across producer responsibility regimes while supporting Wales’ circular economy objectives.
WQ100709 · Tabled · Answered
Is the Welsh Government satisfied that producers, retailers and hospitality businesses will have sufficient time to prepare for the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme given the complexity of providing glass return points from 1 October 2027?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The inclusion of glass in the DRS was fully considered in the policy development and impact assessment processes undertaken in developing the regulations passed by the last Senedd. The Regulatory Impact Assessment concluded that the environmental benefits of including glass outweigh the associated costs.
In line with the regulations, the scheme will commence on 1 October 2027 alongside the schemes in the rest of the UK. With the vast majority of schemes internationally including glass within their scope, there is a wealth of experience available to support the implementation in Wales.
As set out in the regulations, glass drinks containers will also be subject to a four-year transition period, during which monetary deposits and scheme-specific labelling requirements will not apply, thereby providing further time for industry to adapt.
The reuse targets contained in the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 apply to the Deposit Management Organisation and form an important part of the legislation, which will support the widescale piloting and initial roll-out of reuse in line with the world’s best Deposit Return Schemes.
As an industry-led organisation appointed by the governments across the UK, Exchange for Change is very well placed to deliver Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in a way which ensures full UK-wide interoperability.
Once the scheme is operational, glass drinks containers within scope of the DRS will no longer be liable for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility waste disposal fees, ensuring a coherent approach across producer responsibility regimes while supporting Wales’ circular economy objectives.
WQ100708 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of how the environmental benefits of the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme compare with the costs imposed on businesses and consumers, particularly given the inclusion of glass?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The inclusion of glass in the DRS was fully considered in the policy development and impact assessment processes undertaken in developing the regulations passed by the last Senedd. The Regulatory Impact Assessment concluded that the environmental benefits of including glass outweigh the associated costs.
In line with the regulations, the scheme will commence on 1 October 2027 alongside the schemes in the rest of the UK. With the vast majority of schemes internationally including glass within their scope, there is a wealth of experience available to support the implementation in Wales.
As set out in the regulations, glass drinks containers will also be subject to a four-year transition period, during which monetary deposits and scheme-specific labelling requirements will not apply, thereby providing further time for industry to adapt.
The reuse targets contained in the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 apply to the Deposit Management Organisation and form an important part of the legislation, which will support the widescale piloting and initial roll-out of reuse in line with the world’s best Deposit Return Schemes.
As an industry-led organisation appointed by the governments across the UK, Exchange for Change is very well placed to deliver Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in a way which ensures full UK-wide interoperability.
Once the scheme is operational, glass drinks containers within scope of the DRS will no longer be liable for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility waste disposal fees, ensuring a coherent approach across producer responsibility regimes while supporting Wales’ circular economy objectives.
WQ100707 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the practical feasibility of including glass in the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The inclusion of glass in the DRS was fully considered in the policy development and impact assessment processes undertaken in developing the regulations passed by the last Senedd. The Regulatory Impact Assessment concluded that the environmental benefits of including glass outweigh the associated costs.
In line with the regulations, the scheme will commence on 1 October 2027 alongside the schemes in the rest of the UK. With the vast majority of schemes internationally including glass within their scope, there is a wealth of experience available to support the implementation in Wales.
As set out in the regulations, glass drinks containers will also be subject to a four-year transition period, during which monetary deposits and scheme-specific labelling requirements will not apply, thereby providing further time for industry to adapt.
The reuse targets contained in the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 apply to the Deposit Management Organisation and form an important part of the legislation, which will support the widescale piloting and initial roll-out of reuse in line with the world’s best Deposit Return Schemes.
As an industry-led organisation appointed by the governments across the UK, Exchange for Change is very well placed to deliver Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in a way which ensures full UK-wide interoperability.
Once the scheme is operational, glass drinks containers within scope of the DRS will no longer be liable for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility waste disposal fees, ensuring a coherent approach across producer responsibility regimes while supporting Wales’ circular economy objectives.
WQ100706 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme on drinks producers supplying products into multiple UK markets?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The inclusion of glass in the DRS was fully considered in the policy development and impact assessment processes undertaken in developing the regulations passed by the last Senedd. The Regulatory Impact Assessment concluded that the environmental benefits of including glass outweigh the associated costs.
In line with the regulations, the scheme will commence on 1 October 2027 alongside the schemes in the rest of the UK. With the vast majority of schemes internationally including glass within their scope, there is a wealth of experience available to support the implementation in Wales.
As set out in the regulations, glass drinks containers will also be subject to a four-year transition period, during which monetary deposits and scheme-specific labelling requirements will not apply, thereby providing further time for industry to adapt.
The reuse targets contained in the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 apply to the Deposit Management Organisation and form an important part of the legislation, which will support the widescale piloting and initial roll-out of reuse in line with the world’s best Deposit Return Schemes.
As an industry-led organisation appointed by the governments across the UK, Exchange for Change is very well placed to deliver Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in a way which ensures full UK-wide interoperability.
Once the scheme is operational, glass drinks containers within scope of the DRS will no longer be liable for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility waste disposal fees, ensuring a coherent approach across producer responsibility regimes while supporting Wales’ circular economy objectives.
WQ100673 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of increased business rates liabilities on employment within the hospitality sector?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
Competitiveness and employment in any business sector are affected by a range of economic factors extending far beyond the non-domestic rates system, the impact of which cannot be assessed in isolation. The Welsh Government is delivering our commitment to rebalance the non-domestic rates system to better support high street businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail, as set out in my oral statement on 15 September. The associated regulations will be brought forward in the coming weeks and accompanied by the relevant impact assessments.
WQ100672 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the competitiveness of hospitality businesses in Wales compared to businesses operating elsewhere in the United Kingdom following the Welsh Government's announcement of changes to business rates support from April 2027?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
Competitiveness and employment in any business sector are affected by a range of economic factors extending far beyond the non-domestic rates system, the impact of which cannot be assessed in isolation. The Welsh Government is delivering our commitment to rebalance the non-domestic rates system to better support high street businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail, as set out in my oral statement on 15 September. The associated regulations will be brought forward in the coming weeks and accompanied by the relevant impact assessments.
WQ100593 · Tabled · Answered
How much funding has been agreed to support the establishment of a social care champion role within Llais?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government has agreed funding of approximately £50,000 per annum to support the infrastructure, capacity and organisational arrangements required to deliver the Social Care Champion function within Llais. This funding will enable the establishment of a dedicated Social Care Champion role, while also supporting the wider resources and support structures necessary for the role to operate effectively. It should therefore be viewed as funding for the overall function and its delivery, rather than solely for an individual post.
WQ100550 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100172, will the Cabinet Minister ask the Permanent Secretary to provide the guidance offered to Welsh Government employees?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Staffing matters are the responsibility of the Permanent Secretary, who will consider the Member’s request and respond directly.
WQ100548 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support the building of a Chepstow by-pass?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
I recognise the significant congestion challenges facing Chepstow residents, businesses and commuters, particularly given the town’s border location. A by-pass of Chepstow would be a matter for Monmouthshire County Borough Council. Should Welsh Government funding for a by-pass be sought, this would need to be prioritised through the Regional Transport Fund and be developed in line with the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG)
WQ100533 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of the removal of consultant-led care from the Royal Glamorgan Hospital and the closure of the special care baby unit on infant mortality and complications?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Services must be safe, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of local populations, delivered in line with professional standards and clinical guidance. This includes robust planning around demand, capacity, workforce, and financial resources to ensure services are both effective and resilient.
Health boards have a responsibility to assess the specific needs of their communities and must undertake a rigorous options appraisal and Quality Impact Assessment regarding any proposed service change and engage with its population and partners, in line with the following national guidance: How to make changes to health services: guidance for NHS organisations | GOV.WALES
Welsh Government would expect to be assured that any proposed changes met these requirements before decisions were implemented and would consider appropriate action if there was evidence that the health board had failed to follow the required process. These actions and the role of Welsh Ministers is set out in the above guidance.
WQ100537 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to asking the UK Government to re-establish the Western Gateway?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of strong cross-border economic links, particularly where they can support productivity, investment, transport connectivity and shared opportunities for communities and businesses in Wales. We will continue to engage constructively with UK Government, local authorities and regional partners on arrangements that deliver tangible benefits for Wales. However, the delivery landscape for economic development is already well developed and the addition of another body risks further complication. The expert panel convened to advise on the new National Development Agency will consider future structures.
WQ100536 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of whether maintaining a separate devolved education structure has contributed to poorer educational outcomes?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Devolution has enabled Wales to develop an education system that reflects Welsh priorities, values and the needs of our learners. While PISA and other measures show that outcomes remain a challenge, educational performance is influenced by a wide range of factors, including poverty, attendance, workforce pressures and the lasting impacts of the pandemic. Rather than debating the principle of devolution, our focus is on what the evidence tells us works. We continue to learn from high-performing systems across the UK and internationally, while taking decisions that are right for learners and communities in Wales. Raising standards is a priority, and last week we published our Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan to accelerate improvement across Wales, in every classroom, without delay.
WQ100535 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Welsh Government conducted an economic impact assessment of the costs for businesses of a deposit-return scheme that does not align with other such schemes across the United Kingdom?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
In line with standard practice when introducing legislation in Wales, the costs and benefits of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) have been assessed through the relevant impact assessment process. The impact assessments prepared to inform the Senedd’s scrutiny of The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 are available here.
WQ100534 · Tabled · Answered
What is the total number of compensation payments paid out to families from the closure of the special care baby unit and removal of consultant-led care from the Royal Glamorgan Hospital?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government does not hold information on compensation payments made to families in relation to the closure of the special care baby unit on the removal of consultant-led maternity care at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. This would be a matter for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and the Welsh Risk Pool.
WQ100522 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99650 and WQ99651, will the First Minister ensure that the Foreign Office is informed and invited to such similar meetings in future?
Answered by First Minister
In accordance with the Devolution memorandum of understanding, and accompanying concordat on International Relations, the Welsh Government informs the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) when Welsh Ministers arrange meetings with foreign diplomats, ministers or heads of state while overseas. The FCDO was aware of this visit to Dublin.
WQ100521 · Tabled · Answered
Did the First Minister incur any governmental spend to attend the meeting with the leaders of Sinn Fein and the SNP on 14 September 2026?
Answered by First Minister
No.
WQ100518 · Tabled · Answered
Did the First Minister use his ministerial car to attend the meeting with the leaders of Sinn Féin and the SNP on 14 September 2026?
Answered by First Minister
No.
WQ100513 · Tabled · Answered
How much funding has the Welsh Government provided to Mastering Diversity CIC since 2023, broken down by financial year?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government has not provided any funding to Mastering Diversity CIC from 2023-2026.
WQ100450 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to further implement recommendations from “I used to be someone” - Refugees and asylum seekers in Wales report produced by the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee's report I used to be someone was published in April 2017. The Welsh Government provided its response and, where accepted, the recommendation actions were subsequently taken forward by the previous Welsh Government administrations.
We remain committed to supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary in Wales and will continue to keep arrangements for that support under review. We will also consider any future committee recommendations made to the Welsh Government.
WQ100449 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100115, why will the Cabinet Minister not release the minutes?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
As outlined in my response to WQ100115, the Government does not routinely publish notes or minutes of meetings between Ministers and external stakeholders.
WQ100448 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with the management of Cardiff Castle about it recently flying several flags of the nation of Pakistan?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Cardiff Castle is owned and managed by Cardiff Council, and decisions relating to the display of flags at the Castle are operational matters for the Council. I have not held any discussions with the management of Cardiff Castle regarding the recent flying of Pakistani national flags.
The display of national flags is a long-established way of recognising the friendship and goodwill that exists between countries and communities. Around the world, public buildings frequently fly the flags of other nations to mark national celebrations, anniversaries, official visits and cultural events. The Welsh flag itself is often displayed overseas on occasions of significance to Wales, reflecting the same spirit of mutual respect and international friendship.
WQ100446 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100179, will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether the Welsh Government funds, or has funded, external bodies to provide housing-related support to refugees, newly recognised refugees or people seeking sanctuary, including support to access accommodation, move-on accommodation, homelessness prevention, private rented accommodation or longer-term accommodation in Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government provides funding to external bodies to provide the support outlined in your question. I refer you to the response provided to a recent Freedom of Information request on this matter (reference ATISN 27258, 24 August 2026).
WQ100444 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to whether it remains appropriate for public funds to be provided to Nation.Cymru, in light of the IPSO ruling in complaint 06516-25 into Nation.Cymru, and what standards of accuracy, reliability and editorial governance does it expect from media organisations receiving public support?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The Welsh Government is aware of the recent Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) ruling in complaint 06516-25 in relation to Nation.Cymru, and the remedial action required by the media outlet. We understand that the publication had subsequently offered to update the article to reference the complainants denial.
However, as regulator of the UK newspaper, magazine and digital news industry, formal complaints about the editorial output of member print and online newspapers, including matters of accuracy, are matters for IPSO.
We recognise the role public funding can play in protecting high-quality news provision across Wales and remain committed to supporting the sustainability of the Welsh media and journalism sectors. Funding decisions will continue to be considered against the purpose, criteria and terms of the relevant scheme, including compliance with funding conditions.
Media organisations receiving Welsh Government support are expected to comply with the law, the terms of any funding awarded, and relevant professional and regulatory standards. This includes maintaining appropriate arrangements to support accuracy, reliability, editorial governance, complaints handling and accountability.
WQ100369 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100111, will the Cabinet Minister confirm what was discussed with YesCymru?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
I refer the Member to the response to WQ100111.
WQ100366 · Tabled · Answered
How much funding has the Welsh Government provided to the diversity and anti-racism professional learning programme via Dysgu?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government has provided £505,000 to the diversity and anti-racism professional learning programme via Dysgu in 2026-27.
WQ100364 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister provide an update on any discussions he has had with the Standards of Conduct Committee regarding the introduction of a recall system for Members of the Senedd, and confirm whether any plans will be taken forward to introduce it before the next Senedd election?
Answered by First Minister
The Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution wrote to the Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee on 17 August, welcoming the publication of the Committee’s consultation on Recall Guidance and highlighting the importance of aligning the Welsh Government’s work on recall poll regulations with the Committee’s development of Recall Guidance.
WQ100355 · Tabled · Answered
Has there been any increase in the Welsh Government's staffing budget since the Cabinet Minister took office, and if so, how much?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
There has been no increase to the Staff Costs Budget Expenditure Line in the Central Services and Administration Main Expenditure Group since the start of the 2026-27 financial year.
WQ100352 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the reasoning as to why she has asked for a refresh of Celebrate and Participate: education guidance to support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The refresh of Celebrate and Participate fulfils a commitment in the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan and responds to evidence that, while the guidance is valued, implementation is inconsistent and approaches can be strengthened. The updated guidance will reflect effective current practice in supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller learners in education.
WQ100313 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given as to whether Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru should be integrated into Great British Energy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru will not be integrated into Great British Energy My focus is on developing Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru as part of a Welsh Public Energy Company, ensuring that Wales retains greater control over, and derives greater benefit from, the energy generated from our natural resources. This approach is intended to ensure that more of the value created by energy projects in Wales is retained for the benefit of Welsh communities, public services and the Welsh economy, while continuing to work constructively with Great British Energy if there are opportunities for collaboration.
WQ100295 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister ensure that all Welsh Government ministers and officials do not refer to the Falkland Islands as Las Malvinas in all government business?
Answered by First Minister
The term Falkland Islands is the standard name used by the Government of the Falkland Islands, and in most English-language contexts. The Welsh Government has no plans to issue specific guidance to Ministers or officials on the use of the terms ‘Falkland Islands’ or ‘Las Malvinas’.
WQ100280 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any impact of new data centres on water and energy bills and household water pressure?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The impact of a new data centre on water supplies, energy costs and household water pressure will vary depending on its location, scale, design and resource requirements, as well as the capacity of local infrastructure. Proposals should be informed by robust, location-specific evidence to ensure that economic growth can be supported while maintaining resilient water supplies, protecting the environment and meeting future needs.
The Welsh Government is committed to taking a strategic approach to planning Wales’s energy system to minimise system costs. The National Energy Strategy will map out Wales’ current and future energy needs, including data centres, and how it plans to deliver the infrastructure needed to meet them in.
WQ100269 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister provide details of the disposal of properties in Powys which were approved on 18 and 20 August 2026, as shown in the Welsh Government decision reports: 2026 - 7th Government?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
WQ100267 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Cabinet Minister believe that Digital Health and Care Wales requires a comprehensive, costed plan for improving its internal digital infrastructure, as recommended by Audit Wales in August 2026, and if so, what support will he provide to enable DHCW to develop and implement this plan?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Digital Heath and Care Wales (DHCW) has confirmed in response to the Audit Wales Digital Capability report it will develop and cost the plan to improve its internal digital infrastructure within existing financial constraints by March 2027.
Welsh Government will continue to hold DHCW and other NHS bodies to account for their digital delivery through established governance.
WQ100224 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100023, which Senior Civil Service division made the decision?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Under the Carltona Principle, actions and decisions made by civil servants are done so on behalf of ministers and ministers are accountable for actions taken by the Welsh Government. It is not the normal practice of the Welsh Government to name individual civil servants associated with particular decisions.
WQ100223 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100028, will the Cabinet Minister ask the Sanctuary Service for statistical data including by nationality and provide the information received?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Wales Sanctuary Service is responsible for its own data and any decisions regarding the publication of its statistical information.
Substantive response
WQ100179 · Tabled · Answered
How much does the Welsh Government spend through external bodies on housing refugees at its own discretion?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government does not fund external bodies to house refugees at its own discretion.
WQ100172 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government encourage its officials to provide their chosen pronouns in emails and other official communications?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Substantive response
WQ100138 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline why the Welsh Government is funding a consultant social worker specialising in matters relating to race for BASW Cymru?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government provides funding to BASW Cymru to employ a Consultant Social Worker specialising in matters relating to race as part of our work to support delivery of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan.
The role supports engagement with social care professionals, representative bodies, regulators and local authorities to improve understanding of the experiences of ethnic minority people who access or work within social care services.
The funding helps to promote awareness of race equality issues, support the development of anti-racist practice, and inform policy and service improvement activity across the social care sector. This contributes to our ambition of ensuring social care services in Wales are inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of all communities.
WQ100115 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99749, will the Cabinet Minister outline what was discussed at the meeting with BBC Wales, and provide the minutes?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Ministers and officials regularly engage with a wide range of stakeholders. The Welsh Government does not routinely publish minutes of such meetings.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.