Siambr · Helen Jenner
Written questions
19 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ101111 · Tabled · No answer published
Have any of the seven health boards conducted stress testing in preparation for the winter season, and if so, will the Cabinet Minister provide the results of those tests?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101110 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether all seven health boards have completed a winter preparedness plan, and whether any indicated they would be unable to conduct stress testing?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101109 · Tabled · No answer published
What is the Cabinet Minister's response to Swansea Bay University Health Board's winter preparedness plan that indicates they are unable to conduct a stress test due to a lack of resources and knowledge?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101108 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether each health board has a clear written strategy for stress testing NHS services in readiness for the winter season, and if so, will the Cabinet Minister provide the details of these strategies?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101107 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether a completed winter preparedness plan from each health board has been received, and will the Welsh Government provide copies of the reports?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ100791 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the effectiveness of the current training requirements for members and officers of community and town councils?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 introduced a duty on community and town councils to prepare and publish training plans for councillors and staff, and to keep those plans under review. Statutory guidance issued by Welsh Ministers sets out expectations regarding the identification of training needs and highlights areas such as induction, the Code of Conduct, and financial management and governance.
Responsibility for assessing local training needs and ensuring appropriate training is provided rests with individual community and town councils. Support and training opportunities are also available through organisations such as One Voice Wales and the Society of Local Council Clerks.
I believe all councillors should undertake Code of Conduct training. I intend to consult on relevant changes to the statutory guidance in the coming weeks.
WQ100671 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the impact on the viability and delivery of affordable housing developments of reduced soil and inert waste disposal capacity in north Wales, including increased disposal and haulage costs?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
We undertake an annual review of the Standard Viability Model (SVM) and update to Acceptable Cost Guidance (ACG) associated with Welsh Government supported affordable housing developments - to reflect current economic and market conditions as well as potential abnormal costs.
The findings have now been reflected in the latest rates and grants associated with acceptable costs for affordable housing developments.
I have asked my officials to look into the specific matter you raise.
WQ100670 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the impact of the cessation of soil acceptance at the Llanddulas facility on soil and inert waste disposal in north Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The latest unpublished North Wales Planning Monitoring Report produced by North Wales Minerals and Waste Planning Service concludes that there is currently sufficient inert waste disposal capacity available to serve North Wales. The report highlights that a range of schemes across the region utilise inert materials for land restoration, flood mitigation, engineering works and agricultural improvement, helping to manage waste higher up the waste hierarchy and reducing reliance on disposal.
The Welsh Government's policy is to minimise waste sent to landfill and promote the reuse and recycling of materials wherever possible. Planning Policy Wales supports the sustainable management of soils and excavated materials by encouraging developers to reuse materials where possible, reducing waste, transport movements and reliance on landfill. It also encourages the better use of excavated materials, helping to reduce waste and minimise the need for disposal. Taken together, these measures support the higher-value management of soil and inert materials in line with the statutory waste hierarchy and our wider commitment to the circular economy.
WQ100503 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve understanding of the reformed science qualification pathways, following the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Science Teaching Survey 2026 findings that 88 per cent of learners and 76 per cent of parents and guardians were reported to have little or no understanding of the new pathways?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The revised 14 to 16 learning guidance sets out the new science GCSE pathways, including the continuation of separate science qualifications alongside integrated options. The guidance reinforces schools’ responsibilities to provide high-quality information, advice and guidance to learners and their parents and carers to support informed qualification choices.
To support this, we have commissioned video resources aimed at parents, carers and learners outlining the full suite of National 14 to 16 Qualifications which will be available shortly. This complements the existing range of information and guidance available on the Qualifications Wales website.
WQ100283 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99002, what specific action has the Cabinet Minister taken to safeguard Penrhos nature reserve since confirming officials are considering options for protecting sites of high environmental importance, and how does the Welsh Government intend to demonstrate its climate and nature action plan commitments through its approach to Penrhos?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of biodiversity and nature recovery across Wales, including at sites that are valued locally for their environmental importance.
Our commitments to tackling the climate and nature emergency are reflected in the policy and legislative frameworks we have established to protect biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience and drive nature recovery across Wales. This includes work being taken forward through the Climate and Nature Action Plan.
In line with the First 100 Days Plan, we have formally commenced the statutory process to revise the National Development Framework. We have established a collaborative stakeholder group, bringing together key planning interests, to support the development of a new Framework.
The consultation on the Statement of Public Participation was launched in August, which sets out the timetable for preparing the Framework and the opportunities for engagement. The consultation also includes a call for evidence as part of a national conversation to understand what the public, organisations and businesses consider to be the key issues for inclusion in the strategic vision and the future direction of spatial planning, as we work to deliver a more resilient, prosperous and healthier Wales for current and future generations.
WQ100210 · Tabled · Answered
What is the estimated total cost to the Welsh Government of establishing and operating the town centre taskforce, including remuneration and expenses for its chairs and members, secretariat support, commissioned research and consultancy costs?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The estimated total cost of establishing and operating the Town Centre Taskforce is not yet available as a number of elements that will contribute to the overall cost are still being finalised. These include the frequency and duration of meetings, the level of secretariat support required, any member expenses that may be incurred, and the scope of any research, evidence-gathering or specialist advice that may be commissioned by the Taskforce. I can however confirm the Co-Chairs will be remunerated in line with the Band 4 Chair rate under the Welsh Government Remuneration Scheme.
WQ100209 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with Cadw and Cymdeithas Eryri regarding the proposed sale of the Grade II-listed Tŷ Hyll, and what consideration has the Welsh Government given to its future heritage use and continued public access?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
I have not had any formal discussions with Cadw or Cymdeithas Eryri regarding the proposed sale of Tŷ Hyll.
Tŷ Hyll is a Grade II-listed building and decisions regarding its sale and future use are matters for the owner. The Welsh Government recognises the heritage significance of the property but has no direct role in determining its future use or public access arrangements.
WQ100086 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister set out a clear timetable for the completion of the remedial repair works on the Menai suspension bridge, so that residents and businesses know when the disruption will end?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The refurbishment and repair works are currently expected to be completed in spring 2027. This timetable is informed by the knowledge and experience gained through the successful hanger replacement project. It remains subject to the bridge not presenting any further unexpected issues during the course of the works.
We recognise the importance of keeping residents and businesses informed while these works are ongoing. Improved communication arrangements are being put in place, including regular updates for the local community. A named representative will also be available as a point of contact to provide updates and respond to queries from local businesses and residents.
WQ99544 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Cabinet Minister accept the conclusions of the previous Welsh Government's Integrated Impact Assessment for the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Act 2025 relating to potential reductions in visitor spend, reduced overnight stays and disproportionate impacts on smaller accommodation providers and, if so, does the Cabinet Minister consider those risks to be acceptable?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The integrated impact assessment identifies a range of potential positive and negative impacts that may emerge given the uncertainty on the elasticities of demand for tourism in Wales. It uses the best available evidence and research to hand and was developed collaboratively with input from stakeholders.
It is a choice for local authorities to use a visitor levy for not following consultation with their communities. Local authorities will undertake their own impact assessments before introducing a levy in their area to reach their own conclusions and will consider any appropriate mitigations where necessary.
Evidence from other countries demonstrates that visitor levies are used successfully towards the benefit of the local tourism offer, the environment and local communities.
WQ99543 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Cabinet Minister disagree with any of the conclusions of the previous Welsh Government's Integrated Impact Assessment for the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Act?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The integrated impact assessment identifies a range of potential positive and negative impacts that may emerge given the uncertainty on the elasticities of demand for tourism in Wales. It uses the best available evidence and research to hand and was developed collaboratively with input from stakeholders.
It is a choice for local authorities to use a visitor levy for not following consultation with their communities. Local authorities will undertake their own impact assessments before introducing a levy in their area to reach their own conclusions and will consider any appropriate mitigations where necessary.
Evidence from other countries demonstrates that visitor levies are used successfully towards the benefit of the local tourism offer, the environment and local communities.
WQ99542 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government consider increasing livestock numbers in the Welsh red meat sector to be a strategic priority and, if so, what specific interventions will it introduce to achieve this?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government is committed to a strong, sustainable and productive Welsh red meat sector. Decisions on herd and flock size are for individual farm businesses, taking account of market conditions, land capability, environmental obligations and long-term business resilience.
Our focus is on supporting farmers to improve efficiency, productivity and environmental performance while continuing to produce high-quality Welsh PGI red meat. The Sustainable Farming Scheme will provide the main platform for this support, including opportunities through Optional and Collaborative Actions to invest in sustainable production, animal health and welfare, skills, benchmarking and targeted capital investment.
WQ99419 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that teachers uphold their duty of political impartiality in schools, and what guidance, monitoring or enforcement arrangements are in place to ensure compliance?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Schools are subject to statutory requirements relating to partisan political views and the balanced presentation of political issues. The Welsh Government provides guidance for practitioners on remaining impartial. Teachers are expected to exercise professional judgement, in accordance with relevant professional standards. Teachers and other education practitioners are regulated by the Education Workforce Council.
WQ99002 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to assessing the feasibility of bringing Penrhos Nature Reserve, Ynys Mon, into public ownership in recognition of its environmental, biodiversity, heritage, recreational and wellbeing value, given that it's currently being marketed for sale by administrators?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government recognises the significant environmental, biodiversity, heritage and recreational value of Penrhos Nature Reserve and is aware that the site is currently being marketed for sale. Officials are keeping the situation under review and considering potential options for safeguarding sites of high environmental importance.
As confirmed by the Cabinet Minister of Local Government, Housing and Planning in her statement on 9 June, the Welsh Government will look at strengthening its support for community owned and community run assets through the development of community right to buy legislation.
WQ98867 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether or not mobile phones will be banned in schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government has committed to take action to empower local authorities and support the safety, learning and wellbeing of our children and young people, by restricting the use of mobile phones in schools.
We will announce more detailed plans shortly.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.