Siambr · Jason O'Connell
Written questions
51 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 2.
WQ101116 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister provide a breakdown of Welsh Government spending on the Wales and Africa programme since May 2026?
To be answered by: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
WQ101115 · Tabled · No answer published
How much money has the Welsh Government spent on the Wales and Africa programme via grants since May 2026?
To be answered by: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
WQ100866 · Tabled · No answer published
Has the Welsh Government measured the economic, social and environmental value that would be created by increasing the use of Welsh-produced steel, including steel produced by 7Steel in Cardiff, in major infrastructure?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
WQ100865 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the resilience and sustainability of school transport providers across Wales, given the continuing increase in fuel prices?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government continues to monitor the impact of rising fuel prices on school transport providers. I met with representatives from across the bus industry last week to discuss the challenges they are facing.
WQ100768 · Tabled · Answered
Will people be able to use deposit-return vouchers issued under the Welsh Government's deposit-return scheme to purchase alcohol?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 do not prescribe what a deposit return refund can be used for.
WQ100761 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the economic, social and environmental value that would be created by increasing the use of Welsh-produced steel, including steel produced by 7Steel in Cardiff, in major infrastructure projects in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
This government recognises the important economic, social, and environmental contribution of the steel sector.
The Welsh Government’s Welsh Procurement Policy Note (WPPN) 008 seeks to maximise the social, economic and environmental impact of public contracts and asks contracting authorities to report on future steel demand and steel procured, including its quantity, product type and origin.
The results of the first dataset under WPPN 008, due to be collected at the end of this financial year, will provide us with some insight into the use of steel in publicly funded infrastructure projects.
We maintain close engagement with steel companies in Wales, including 7 Steel UK. We also engage with the UK Government and stakeholders including through the UK Government’s Steel Council, on the development of policies that underpin the UK Steel Strategy launched in March 2026.
WQ100799 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the clinical benefits, costs and feasibility of introducing newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy in Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
The Welsh Government takes advice on the introduction of new screening programmes from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC).
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare condition, affecting around 1 in every 10,000 live births. The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) does notcurrently recommend routine population screening for SMA through the newborn bloodspot programme. While England and Scotland are currently participating in the evaluation, a final UK NSC recommendation has not yet been made.
Wales is not currently participating in the SMA in-service evaluation because improvements to infrastructure are required within the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Wales Programme. These are required before additional conditions can be safely introduced and enable us to respond to future newborn screening developments and recommendations from UK National Screening Committee. We expect to receive advice on the proposals during the next few weeks.
Officials are engaged with counterparts in England and Scotland on learning from the evaluation. We are also engaging with SMA UK, Muscular Dystrophy UK and people with lived experience to better understand their perspectives as we consider the future development of newborn screening services in Wales.
WQ100769 · Tabled · Answered
How does the use of Deposit Return Scheme vouchers interact with the Public Health (Minimum Unit Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Under the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026, retailers operating a return point will be required to refund deposits on eligible drinks containers that are returned through the scheme. The Regulations provide for refunds to be made in cash, by payment card or by refund voucher.
Where a retailer accepts cash payments, it must offer to pay the return amount either in the form of cash or a refund voucher. Retailers that do not accept cash payments may provide refunds through the other methods permitted by the Regulations.
The mechanism used to refund deposits under the DRS does not affect a retailer's obligations under the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018.
A deposit refund is the repayment of a deposit previously paid by a consumer when purchasing an eligible drinks container. It is not a reduction in the selling price of an alcoholic product. Retailers must therefore continue to comply with all requirements of the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 when selling alcohol.
WQ100767 · Tabled · Answered
Will retailers be required to offer cash refunds of deposits under the Deposit Return Scheme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Under the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026, retailers operating a return point will be required to refund deposits on eligible drinks containers that are returned through the scheme. The Regulations provide for refunds to be made in cash, by payment card or by refund voucher.
Where a retailer accepts cash payments, it must offer to pay the return amount either in the form of cash or a refund voucher. Retailers that do not accept cash payments may provide refunds through the other methods permitted by the Regulations.
The mechanism used to refund deposits under the DRS does not affect a retailer's obligations under the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018.
A deposit refund is the repayment of a deposit previously paid by a consumer when purchasing an eligible drinks container. It is not a reduction in the selling price of an alcoholic product. Retailers must therefore continue to comply with all requirements of the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 when selling alcohol.
WQ100763 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to using digital traceability to improve the completeness, accuracy and assurance of steel procurement data collected under Welsh Procurement Policy Note WPPN 008, and to better measure the economic, social and environmental outcomes of public procurement?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
We are due to receive the first dataset collected under Welsh Procurement Policy Note (WPPN) 008 at the end of this financial year. We will then assess the quality, completeness and usefulness of the data in providing a robust understanding of steel use in public sector contracts.
At this stage, we have not explored digital traceability. However, we will engage with the UK Government to understand its approach to steel data collection and traceability.
Our aim is to develop a reliable picture of current and future public sector demand for steel, helping suppliers to plan and compete for opportunities, supporting the use of Welsh and UK-produced steel, and enabling the identification of wider social, economic and environmental benefits arising from steel procurement.
WQ100762 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that the origin, provenance and supply-chain journey of steel used in Welsh public infrastructure projects can be independently verified and audited?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Welsh Government published Welsh Procurement Policy Note (WPPN) 008, which requires Welsh Contracting Authorities to submit an annual return on any projects undertaken over £2m that include a steel component. The returns capture information around the origin, type and amount of steel used.
We are due to collect the first dataset under WPPN 008 at the end of this financial year. This information will provide us with a better understanding of how much domestically produced steel has been used in public sector contracts in Wales during the reporting period.
WQ100757 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government outline how it intends to promote responsible dog ownership and improve dog control?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government promotes responsible dog and cat breeding, including appropriate health screening, seeking veterinary advice where necessary, and avoiding the breeding of traits associated with poor welfare outcomes. We have published guidance which includes links to additional sources of information and advice: Responsible dog breeding and ownership | GOV.WALES and Responsible cat ownership | GOV.WALES
We are committed to delivering a new Animal Welfare Plan for Wales, as set out in our Programme for Government. We will work closely with stakeholders, operational partners and the third sector to develop our new approach. Building on Wales's strong reputation for animal welfare, we want to maintain and enhance the high standards already in place. We will focus on policies that deliver the greatest welfare benefits, targeting action where it can have the most significant and lasting impact. This includes proportionate and enforceable standards, which are essential to safeguarding animal welfare and addressing poor practice where it occurs.
WQ100756 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government outline its plans for improving dog and cat breeding practices?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government promotes responsible dog and cat breeding, including appropriate health screening, seeking veterinary advice where necessary, and avoiding the breeding of traits associated with poor welfare outcomes. We have published guidance which includes links to additional sources of information and advice: Responsible dog breeding and ownership | GOV.WALES and Responsible cat ownership | GOV.WALES
We are committed to delivering a new Animal Welfare Plan for Wales, as set out in our Programme for Government. We will work closely with stakeholders, operational partners and the third sector to develop our new approach. Building on Wales's strong reputation for animal welfare, we want to maintain and enhance the high standards already in place. We will focus on policies that deliver the greatest welfare benefits, targeting action where it can have the most significant and lasting impact. This includes proportionate and enforceable standards, which are essential to safeguarding animal welfare and addressing poor practice where it occurs.
WQ100603 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Welsh Government ensure value for money through fully transparent and open competitive tendering for energy procurement contracts?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Welsh Government ensures value for money through the use of compliant and competitively tendered procurement arrangements for procurement processes related to the public sector. Framework agreements are established through open competition and use aggregated purchasing power and specialist procurement expertise to achieve economies of scale, robust market engagement, and competitive pricing.
We publish contract award information in line with statutory requirements, providing visibility of procurement decisions and supporting public accountability.
WQ100452 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Welsh Government had with NHS Wales Performance and Improvement to assist them in supporting Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board to deliver the quality statement for mental health?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
We have introduced new accountability arrangements where NHS Wales Performance and Improvement (NHSWPI) sits at the centre of system oversight, assurance, improvement and intervention. It acts as principal day-to-day interface with NHS organisations, reducing duplication and creating a more coherent accountability system. NHSWPI leads risk-based operational review meetings with NHS organisations.
It has also been confirmed that NHSWPI will report into the newly established Healthcare Quality and Improvement Board, which is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), and is responsible for setting national strategic priorities for quality, safety and improvement which over time will support the delivery of the quality statement.
We have also confirmed to NHSWPI their role in providing national leadership and coordination to health boards in the delivery of seamless, person-centred mental health services as part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This will include a focus on the implementation of the quality statement and the introduction of our open access approach which is embedded within the statement.
WQ100226 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to provide financial support to farmers who have incurred fuel costs while assisting efforts to tackle the recent wildfire crisis?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Each Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for meeting the costs of firefighting. Therefore, unfortunately Welsh Government is unable to reimburse any specific costs incurred with firefighting.
WQ100225 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to provide increased support to fire services during the current wildfires?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government provided additional support to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service during the current wildfires by funding Army personnel to assist ground-based operations, including the cutting of firebreaks to help contain the fire and prevent its further spread. This support was highly effective and was delivered alongside assistance from other UK fire and rescue services through established mutual aid arrangements.
WQ100125 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline which transport commitments will be prioritised first in relation to the Disabled People's Rights Plan?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Disabled People’s Rights Plan is a ten-year plan, running until 2035. In the transport sector, we are prioritising actions that improve disabled people’s ability to plan and undertake journeys independently and with confidence, including better access to information, stronger co-production with disabled people, and more accessible journey planning tools. We are also embedding accessibility into transport planning and investment decisions through our Travel for All approach and Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG).
WQ99946 · Tabled · Answered
What actions is the Welsh Government taking or planning to take to improve support available to people with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions to return to or remain in work?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We recognise that arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions can have a significant impact on people's ability to remain in or return to work.
We are building on the national approach set out in the Quality Statement for Musculoskeletal Health and the framework Living with Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions in Wales, which promote prevention, early intervention, self-management and timely access to services. Delivery is supported by the National MSK Strategic Clinical Network, which is driving improvements across primary, community and secondary care, including development of an all-Wales integrated MSK service specification to support more consistent, person-centred care and improve outcomes for people living with MSK conditions.
In addition, our In-Work Support Service helps people recovering from MSK and mental ill health conditions to remain in work or return to work more quickly. The service provides rapid access to therapeutic support, helping to prevent people becoming absent from work due to their condition and supporting those already off work to return sooner. The service also provides training and support to employers to strengthen workplace health and wellbeing practices and policies.
WQ99719 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the impact of the local community, and young people especially, of the closure of the Military Preparation Training College in Merthyr Tydfil?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Military Preparation Training College has operated as a subcontractor within the Jobs Growth Wales+ delivery network. We recognise that providers are operating in a challenging environment, balancing finite public resources against increasing demand for support. The Welsh Government remains committed to helping young people access education, training and employment opportunities, and we will continue to monitor the availability of provision for young people across Wales.
WQ99532 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government introduce any statutory guidance or policy changes to remove penalties faced by women fleeing high-risk abuse, who are often deemed too financially independent for refuge but are unable to buy safety privately?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
I refer the Member to the answer given to WQ99501 and WQ99582 on 15 July 2026.
WQ99582 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to ensure effective cross-authority cooperation to enable quick out-of-area relocations where remaining locally would place victims of domestic abuse at risk?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all survivors of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence have equal access to high-quality, needs-led support and services that help them achieve safety and recovery.
Refuge accommodation is available to any survivor who needs to flee abuse and access safety, regardless of their employment status. Specialist support is available to help survivors navigate the practical, financial and housing challenges that may arise when leaving an abusive relationship, including where economic and financial abuse has affected their ability to access or control financial resources.
Our revenue and capital investment funds the provision, purchase, refurbishment and improvement of refuge accommodation across Wales to help ensure safe accommodation remains available to those who need it. We are also exploring how, through the Renting Homes Act, we can make access to refuge accommodation simpler, faster and easier to navigate for those fleeing abuse.
We fund a range of frontline specialist violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence services including the Live Fear Free helpline. These services provide confidential advice and support, helping survivors understand the practical, financial and housing assistance available to them. They may also be able to provide advice on accessing emergency financial assistance, welfare benefits and other sources of support, or signpost survivors to appropriate services where further assistance is needed.
Where remaining locally would place a survivor at risk, specialist services, including Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs), work with survivors and partner agencies to consider the safest options available, including relocation where appropriate.
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) play an important role in coordinating support and safety planning for survivors assessed as being at high risk, helping agencies work together to address risks and facilitate access to safe accommodation where necessary. In addition, homelessness legislation enables people fleeing domestic abuse to seek assistance from another local authority without local connection requirements creating a barrier to accessing support.
WQ99501 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to remove barriers faced by working women fleeing high-risk domestic abuse, who are often deemed too financially independent for refuge but are unable to buy safety privately?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all survivors of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence have equal access to high-quality, needs-led support and services that help them achieve safety and recovery.
Refuge accommodation is available to any survivor who needs to flee abuse and access safety, regardless of their employment status. Specialist support is available to help survivors navigate the practical, financial and housing challenges that may arise when leaving an abusive relationship, including where economic and financial abuse has affected their ability to access or control financial resources.
Our revenue and capital investment funds the provision, purchase, refurbishment and improvement of refuge accommodation across Wales to help ensure safe accommodation remains available to those who need it. We are also exploring how, through the Renting Homes Act, we can make access to refuge accommodation simpler, faster and easier to navigate for those fleeing abuse.
We fund a range of frontline specialist violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence services including the Live Fear Free helpline. These services provide confidential advice and support, helping survivors understand the practical, financial and housing assistance available to them. They may also be able to provide advice on accessing emergency financial assistance, welfare benefits and other sources of support, or signpost survivors to appropriate services where further assistance is needed.
Where remaining locally would place a survivor at risk, specialist services, including Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs), work with survivors and partner agencies to consider the safest options available, including relocation where appropriate.
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) play an important role in coordinating support and safety planning for survivors assessed as being at high risk, helping agencies work together to address risks and facilitate access to safe accommodation where necessary. In addition, homelessness legislation enables people fleeing domestic abuse to seek assistance from another local authority without local connection requirements creating a barrier to accessing support.
WQ99500 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government introduce ring-fenced social housing stock, including a proportion of one-bedroom properties, for high-risk domestic abuse and sexual violence survivors, including refuge move-on, that would guarantee availability without bidding, lengthy assessments, or unsafe temporary accommodation given that delays in these cases can be lethal?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Code of Guidance for local authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness stipulates that local authorities in Wales must assist survivors in sourcing alternative accommodation, whether on a permanent or temporary basis.
In Wales, our approach is clear that access to safety is based on need and risk. While safe accommodation is often critical for survivors fleeing abuse, we also recognise safety should not always depend on a survivor having to leave their home, family networks or community.
Where survivors do need to leave to secure their immediate safety, specialist refuge services across Wales play a vital role in providing emergency accommodation and support. Refuges can offer a safe place for survivors and their children at times of crisis, helping to ensure that immediate safety needs are met while longer-term housing options are explored.
I am grateful to local authorities and specialist refuge providers across Wales for the vital role they play in helping people fleeing abuse to access safety and support.
While safe accommodation is fundamental, it is not enough on its own to meet the needs of survivors. Alongside housing support, survivors may require a coordinated multi-agency response, to address risk, enhance safety and support longer-term recovery. For survivors assessed as being at high risk, cases may be considered through local Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs). The work of MARACs, together with Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA) helps establish a shared understanding of risk across agencies and coordinate actions to support survivors’ safety and wellbeing, in close consultation with the survivor.
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 (the Act) aims to transform our response to homelessness, and my priority now is its successful implementation. Part of this response will include ensuring survivors of all forms of abuse are supported more effectively and their needs are fully understood and responded to. The Act will bring the definition of domestic abuse up to date to align with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which includes coercive control and economic abuse, alongside other kinds of abuse which give rise to harm, including modern slavery, stalking and harassment. The Act also ensures existing protections for people who need to move to another area to escape abuse remain in place.
Social housing allocation must continue to be based on assessed housing need, with local authorities prioritising those facing the most urgent circumstances, including people fleeing abuse. Demand for settled accommodation far exceeds supply, and local authorities must balance the needs of a wide range of households experiencing acute housing need. This includes over 10,000 individuals living in temporary accommodation in Wales, all awaiting a settled home.
I recognise why there are calls to reserve social housing specifically for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Survivors must be able to access safe and suitable accommodation quickly when they need it, and ensuring they receive the support and protection they require remains a priority. While local authorities continue to assess social housing allocation on the basis of need, the Welsh Government’s focus remains to increase the overall supply of affordable and social housing, so that more people in housing need can access a settled home.
WQ99499 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government treat safe-housing as an emergency safeguarding intervention rather than routing individuals through standard homelessness pathways when professionals have assessed a domestic abuse survivor as high-risk, and what specific changes are being undertaken to ensure relocation happens in days, not months?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Code of Guidance for local authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness stipulates that local authorities in Wales must assist survivors in sourcing alternative accommodation, whether on a permanent or temporary basis.
In Wales, our approach is clear that access to safety is based on need and risk. While safe accommodation is often critical for survivors fleeing abuse, we also recognise safety should not always depend on a survivor having to leave their home, family networks or community.
Where survivors do need to leave to secure their immediate safety, specialist refuge services across Wales play a vital role in providing emergency accommodation and support. Refuges can offer a safe place for survivors and their children at times of crisis, helping to ensure that immediate safety needs are met while longer-term housing options are explored.
I am grateful to local authorities and specialist refuge providers across Wales for the vital role they play in helping people fleeing abuse to access safety and support.
While safe accommodation is fundamental, it is not enough on its own to meet the needs of survivors. Alongside housing support, survivors may require a coordinated multi-agency response, to address risk, enhance safety and support longer-term recovery. For survivors assessed as being at high risk, cases may be considered through local Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs). The work of MARACs, together with Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA) helps establish a shared understanding of risk across agencies and coordinate actions to support survivors’ safety and wellbeing, in close consultation with the survivor.
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 (the Act) aims to transform our response to homelessness, and my priority now is its successful implementation. Part of this response will include ensuring survivors of all forms of abuse are supported more effectively and their needs are fully understood and responded to. The Act will bring the definition of domestic abuse up to date to align with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which includes coercive control and economic abuse, alongside other kinds of abuse which give rise to harm, including modern slavery, stalking and harassment. The Act also ensures existing protections for people who need to move to another area to escape abuse remain in place.
Social housing allocation must continue to be based on assessed housing need, with local authorities prioritising those facing the most urgent circumstances, including people fleeing abuse. Demand for settled accommodation far exceeds supply, and local authorities must balance the needs of a wide range of households experiencing acute housing need. This includes over 10,000 individuals living in temporary accommodation in Wales, all awaiting a settled home.
I recognise why there are calls to reserve social housing specifically for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Survivors must be able to access safe and suitable accommodation quickly when they need it, and ensuring they receive the support and protection they require remains a priority. While local authorities continue to assess social housing allocation on the basis of need, the Welsh Government’s focus remains to increase the overall supply of affordable and social housing, so that more people in housing need can access a settled home.
WQ99098 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Government made of the impact of closing junctions of the M4 through Newport?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
On 9 June, I announced a short, focused programme of work to explore measures that could make a meaningful difference to conditions on the M4 around Newport, including the potential closure of certain junctions. This work will build on the substantial body of evidence already developed by previous governments on this issue.
I will report back to Members in the autumn term, setting out the outcome of this work and the Government’s proposed way forward.
WQ99097 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government leverage the decision by Marshall Land Systems to relocate some of its operations to Merthyr for the benefit of the wider constituency and Wales as a whole?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Welsh Government is aware that Marshall Land Systems is currently in collective consultation with those who may be affected by the proposed change to Marshall’s assembly location in the UK.
If the outcome of that consultation is that Marshall Land Systems relocates its UK assembly and production to Wales, the Welsh Government intends to work closely with the company.
WQ99070 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the impact of the loss of funding for community focused schools on the delivery of preventative work and the Marmot principles in Merthyr Tydfil, given that is has been designated as a Marmot trailblazer authority?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I have taken these three questions together as they are interrelated.
There has been no change in the funding and guidance provided by Welsh Government to Merthyr Tydfil Council to support Communities Focused Schools (CFS) approaches. I am aware that there are discussions underway about changes to the way in which CFS services are delivered within the Merthyr Tydfil local authority area, and as part of those considerations they are considering the impacts and opportunities any changes present.
WQ99069 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government ensure that the key functions currently delivered by Community Focused Schools, including family engagement, early intervention, partnership coordination and community use of school facilities, are sustained once this dedicated capacity is removed?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I have taken these three questions together as they are interrelated.
There has been no change in the funding and guidance provided by Welsh Government to Merthyr Tydfil Council to support Communities Focused Schools (CFS) approaches. I am aware that there are discussions underway about changes to the way in which CFS services are delivered within the Merthyr Tydfil local authority area, and as part of those considerations they are considering the impacts and opportunities any changes present.
WQ99068 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact on children, families and communities in Merthyr Tydfil of the decision to end funding for community-focused schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I have taken these three questions together as they are interrelated.
There has been no change in the funding and guidance provided by Welsh Government to Merthyr Tydfil Council to support Communities Focused Schools (CFS) approaches. I am aware that there are discussions underway about changes to the way in which CFS services are delivered within the Merthyr Tydfil local authority area, and as part of those considerations they are considering the impacts and opportunities any changes present.
WQ99067 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Government taking to ensure consistent specialist psychological support is available across all health boards to support bereaved parents following pregnancy or baby loss?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
All health boards have bereavement midwives in place to provide support to bereaved parents following pregnancy or baby loss. Cardiff and Vale UHB are the first health board in Wales to provide a Psychology-led bereavement service for parents. We are working closely with the health board to evaluate the service to inform future service development across Wales.
WQ99066 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Government introduce targets to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths, and eliminate inequalities in baby loss, in light of Wales having had the highest stillbirth rate in the UK for the third year running with no sustained improvement since 2018?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
I provided an answer to WQ99027 on 19 June 2026.
WQ99065 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Cabinet Minsiter ensure that people struggling with their mental health are not discouraged from seeking help by poor telephone access and inadequate triage systems in primary care?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
GMS access standards, operated through the Unified GMS contract, are in place to make contacting GP surgeries easier and more consistent. They set clear expectations for telephony, call handling and care navigation, ensuring patients receive timely responses and are directed to appropriate care without needing to re-contact the practice. While maintaining these standards, practices have flexibility in local delivery and have received funding to upgrade phone systems to better manage demand.
Where a patient presents with urgent mental health concerns, GP practices should ensure that the person is responded to promptly and directed to the most appropriate urgent support, including escalation to a clinician or, where necessary, emergency or crisis services in line with local pathways.
Additionally, the 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy published last April outlines how we will improve access to mental health support. The strategy puts early intervention, prevention and person-centred care at the heart of mental health services, ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.
A key part of the transformation of mental healthcare is open access services, with people receiving same-day mental health support without the need for a referral and our open access working group also includes primary care membership. This will build on previous work including the introduction of the Wales-wide 111 press 2 service for urgent mental health care and the provision of online cognitive behavioural therapy.
WQ99064 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline why there is currently no consistent national process for handling mental health concerns when patients telephone their GP surgery, and what action is being taken to ensure vulnerable patients are properly identified and prioritised?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
GMS access standards, operated through the Unified GMS contract, are in place to make contacting GP surgeries easier and more consistent. They set clear expectations for telephony, call handling and care navigation, ensuring patients receive timely responses and are directed to appropriate care without needing to re-contact the practice. While maintaining these standards, practices have flexibility in local delivery and have received funding to upgrade phone systems to better manage demand.
Where a patient presents with urgent mental health concerns, GP practices should ensure that the person is responded to promptly and directed to the most appropriate urgent support, including escalation to a clinician or, where necessary, emergency or crisis services in line with local pathways.
Additionally, the 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy published last April outlines how we will improve access to mental health support. The strategy puts early intervention, prevention and person-centred care at the heart of mental health services, ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.
A key part of the transformation of mental healthcare is open access services, with people receiving same-day mental health support without the need for a referral and our open access working group also includes primary care membership. This will build on previous work including the introduction of the Wales-wide 111 press 2 service for urgent mental health care and the provision of online cognitive behavioural therapy.
WQ99063 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Government taking to introduce minimum standards for mental health triage in GP practices, so that patients who contact their surgery reporting mental health difficulties receive a proper risk assessment rather than being immediately redirected elsewhere?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
GMS access standards, operated through the Unified GMS contract, are in place to make contacting GP surgeries easier and more consistent. They set clear expectations for telephony, call handling and care navigation, ensuring patients receive timely responses and are directed to appropriate care without needing to re-contact the practice. While maintaining these standards, practices have flexibility in local delivery and have received funding to upgrade phone systems to better manage demand.
Where a patient presents with urgent mental health concerns, GP practices should ensure that the person is responded to promptly and directed to the most appropriate urgent support, including escalation to a clinician or, where necessary, emergency or crisis services in line with local pathways.
Additionally, the 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy published last April outlines how we will improve access to mental health support. The strategy puts early intervention, prevention and person-centred care at the heart of mental health services, ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.
A key part of the transformation of mental healthcare is open access services, with people receiving same-day mental health support without the need for a referral and our open access working group also includes primary care membership. This will build on previous work including the introduction of the Wales-wide 111 press 2 service for urgent mental health care and the provision of online cognitive behavioural therapy.
WQ99062 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Government reduce the number of households stuck in temporary accommodation and speed up moves into permanent, stable homes in Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Increasing the supply of social housing is central to our efforts to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation. We have committed to the delivery of 20,000 new social homes by 2030 in partnership with local authorities and social landlords. We will also establish Unnos, a new national development body that will be an enabler of social housing. Unnos will work in partnership with key partners to speed up the increase in the long term supply of new social homes.
We are also supporting the rapid provision of longer-term accommodation through acquisitions, conversions and bringing empty homes back into use. Our Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP) provides good quality longer-term accommodation for people in housing need. This increased supply is explicitly intended to tackle homelessness, reduce reliance on unsuitable temporary accommodation, and support faster transitions into stable homes.
The programme has been opened for 2026-27 with an indicative value of £50m, with Merthyr Tydfil receiving an allocation of just under £0.5m and Rhondda Cynon Taff over £0.7m to work with their RSL partners to bring forward additional homes.
In conjunction with the measures introduced through the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026, this will enable us to prevent homelessness earlier and keep people out of unsuitable temporary accommodation. The Act also places clearer expectations on social landlords to support local authorities in discharging their homelessness duties.
WQ99061 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Government ensure that the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 is properly resourced and effectively implemented in Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 (the Act) will be resourced and effectively implemented across all local authorities in Wales, including those within Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr, through a phased approach. This will be supported by targeted funding, ongoing engagement and close monitoring.
£2.3 million has been allocated in 2026–27 to support pre‑implementation activity in local authorities. This includes planning, guidance and training to prepare for commencement from September 2027. The first phase of implementation is focused on prevention. The Act’s Regulatory Impact Assessment demonstrates the reforms deliver net benefits over time, as prevention reduces the need for more costly crisis responses.
Future implementation costs from 2027–28 onwards will be considered through the Welsh Government’s annual budget process this Autumn. Implementation will be kept under close review.
WQ99060 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish a clear national plan to end homelessness in Wales, developed in partnership with people with lived experience and organisations such as Crisis Cymru?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 (the Act), sets out a significant programme of reform and a detailed programme of implementation is underway to support its phased commencement.
This is not a single‑plan endeavour. Ending homelessness requires sustained system‑wide change across housing, health, social care and wider public services, alongside action to address the underlying causes of homelessness.
As I set out in my recent oral statement, we are taking forward a broad range of measures to strengthen prevention, improve support and ensure homelessness in Wales is rare, brief and unrepeated.
We will continue to work closely with local authorities, delivery partners and the third sector, and to engage people with lived experience, to inform both implementation of the Act and the wider reforms needed to deliver on our ambition to end homelessness in Wales.
WQ99014 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has been made on the Crossrail in Cardiff?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Cardiff Crossrail is a Cardiff Council led scheme to improve public transport connectivity within Cardiff, with the initial phase of works focussed on delivery of a new tramway from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay. This initial phase has secured joint funding from both UK and Welsh Government and will significantly improve the railway connectivity between the city centre and Cardiff Bay, benefiting the wider city and region aligned to the South Wales Metro.
Great progress is being made on the initial phase of Cardiff Crossrail with site clearance and enabling works beginning on site this June and the main phase of work beginning in July.
WQ99013 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to improve connectivity between valley towns?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
We are improving connectivity between Valley towns with our investment in public transport with the South Wales Metro. Brand new electric trains now run services on the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines, with passengers benefiting from cheaper and more convenient Pay-As-You-Go ticketing. The next phase of the South Wales Metro will see faster journeys, followed by a doubling of frequency of services on these lines from next year.
We are also moving forwards with plans for bus reform, which will allow us to improve connectivity between Valley towns and better integrate our bus and rail networks.
WQ98981 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure consistent holiday childcare provision across all local authorities?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Substantive response
WQ98980 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to encourage employers to offer meaningful and flexible working during school holidays?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
We encourage employers to take a constructive approach to flexible working as a core part of fair work and good employment practice. This includes promoting flexibility in job design, working hours and remote working to support inclusion and work-life balance. We recognise the role flexible working plays in enabling people to accommodate work within the realities of their daily lives, while also helping employers to attract and retain workers with caring and other responsibilities, including during school holidays. We also support the Employment Rights Act 2025, which clarifies expectations on the right to request flexible working.
WQ98979 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government expand funded or subsidised holiday childcare provision to cover the full six-week summer break?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Substantive response
WQ98978 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister explain why the primary care pathway for Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders has not yet been published, and set out a timetable for its implementation across Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
A Community Health Pathway for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) has been developed through multidisciplinary collaboration, including clinical experts and patient representation.
All Community Health Pathways must be approved through established national governance arrangements, including with primary care representatives, before publication. This ensures they are clinically robust, reflect current practice and are deliverable across NHS Wales.
The EDS and HSD pathway is progressing through this process and has not yet secured the clinical agreement required for publication. Work is continuing with relevant partners to address outstanding issues and support final agreement. I am therefore unable to confirm a publication date at this stage.
WQ98839 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline accident statistics on roads with various speed limits after leaving default 20mph zones across Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government publishes data on police recorded road collisions by area and speed limit each quarter on StatsWales and in an interactive map. The latest data is for the last quarter of 2025 which was published on 4 June 2026.
WQ98866 · Tabled · Answered
What timelines does the Welsh Government have for the creation of the Welsh Development Agency?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I will be updating the Senedd on next steps with regards to a new national development agency in the coming weeks.
WQ98865 · Tabled · Answered
How many staff will the Welsh Development Agency employ?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I will be updating the Senedd on next steps with regards to a new national development agency in the coming weeks.
WQ98843 · Tabled · Answered
What is the planned cost and operating budget of the new intended Welsh Development Agency?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I will be updating the Senedd on next steps with regards to a new national development agency in the coming weeks.
WQ98842 · Tabled · Answered
What is this Government's position on nuclear power in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Substantive response
WQ98841 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm what funding can be made available to conduct repairs of the roof structure at Pontypridd Train Station to allow additional commercial businesses to take up tenancy arrangements?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Transport for Wales (TfW) are keen to increase the use of their station assets by commercial businesses where appropriate to do so. TfW have investigated what structural roof repairs would be necessary to enable additional commercial lettings within the high street level units at the front of Pontypridd station.
Unfortunately, the investigation found that the solution available would only have worked for a limited time, therefore this was not considered good value for public money compared to the likely rental income from letting the units.
However, TfW are considering what other commercial opportunities are possible at Pontypridd station. This includes plans to install a coffee kiosk on the Cardiff-bound platform, subject to consultation with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.