Siambr · Paul Davies
Written questions
183 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 2 of 4.
WQ99977 · Tabled · Answered
How many care-experienced young people have experienced homelessness whilst still in education?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
We do not collect data on numbers of care-experienced young people who have experienced homelessness whilst still in education, however, we recognise the increased risk of homelessness that care leavers can face.
We are committed to ending homelessness across Wales, and the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 will be central to achieving that. The Act contains the following measures designed to ensure that early preparation is made to ensure care leavers have a suitable place to live as they transition from care:
The measures in the Act are matched by a range of support in 2026-27 to prevent care-experienced young people from experiencing homelessness. This includes:
WQ99934 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99835, has the Welsh Government assessed how many tourism businesses have had their classification changed following a successful appeal?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government does not hold data on the average waiting time, outstanding volumes, or changes to classifications following specific types of challenge or appeal related to self-catering properties (i.e. the omission of a property from a non-domestic rating list or its inclusion in a council tax list). These are operational matters for the HMRC Valuation Office.
The Valuation Office has its own targets to resolve 90% of non-domestic rates challenges within 12 months (the statutory deadline is 18 months) and 95% of council tax challenges within two months. These targets were not met during the 2025-26 financial year. A statutory deadline of four months for the resolution of council tax challenges took effect from 1 February 2026 (there was not previously a statutory deadline). The Valuation Office met this deadline for council tax challenges received between 1 February and the end of the financial year. The targets reflect the broader work of the Valuation Office in considering challenges and are not specific to cases on the classification of self-catering properties. Welsh Government officials are closely monitoring the performance of the Valuation Office, through established governance arrangements, and have sought assurances that plans are in place to improve performance moving into this year.
It would not be possible for a property owner to challenge the transfer of a property between the non-domestic rating and council tax lists before the relevant action has been taken by the Valuation Office, on the basis of the evidence reviewed according to the legislative framework. However, the right to challenge or appeal certain decisions and events remains an important element of fairness in local taxation systems. The relevant grounds for a challenge or appeal may be engaged following the action to which they relate, should a taxpayer wish to do so.
WQ99933 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99835, will the Cabinet Minister confirm why businesses are transferred into Council Tax before their appeal has been determined?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government does not hold data on the average waiting time, outstanding volumes, or changes to classifications following specific types of challenge or appeal related to self-catering properties (i.e. the omission of a property from a non-domestic rating list or its inclusion in a council tax list). These are operational matters for the HMRC Valuation Office.
The Valuation Office has its own targets to resolve 90% of non-domestic rates challenges within 12 months (the statutory deadline is 18 months) and 95% of council tax challenges within two months. These targets were not met during the 2025-26 financial year. A statutory deadline of four months for the resolution of council tax challenges took effect from 1 February 2026 (there was not previously a statutory deadline). The Valuation Office met this deadline for council tax challenges received between 1 February and the end of the financial year. The targets reflect the broader work of the Valuation Office in considering challenges and are not specific to cases on the classification of self-catering properties. Welsh Government officials are closely monitoring the performance of the Valuation Office, through established governance arrangements, and have sought assurances that plans are in place to improve performance moving into this year.
It would not be possible for a property owner to challenge the transfer of a property between the non-domestic rating and council tax lists before the relevant action has been taken by the Valuation Office, on the basis of the evidence reviewed according to the legislative framework. However, the right to challenge or appeal certain decisions and events remains an important element of fairness in local taxation systems. The relevant grounds for a challenge or appeal may be engaged following the action to which they relate, should a taxpayer wish to do so.
WQ99932 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99835, what performance targets is the Valuation Office Agency expected to meet, and are those targets currently being achieved?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government does not hold data on the average waiting time, outstanding volumes, or changes to classifications following specific types of challenge or appeal related to self-catering properties (i.e. the omission of a property from a non-domestic rating list or its inclusion in a council tax list). These are operational matters for the HMRC Valuation Office.
The Valuation Office has its own targets to resolve 90% of non-domestic rates challenges within 12 months (the statutory deadline is 18 months) and 95% of council tax challenges within two months. These targets were not met during the 2025-26 financial year. A statutory deadline of four months for the resolution of council tax challenges took effect from 1 February 2026 (there was not previously a statutory deadline). The Valuation Office met this deadline for council tax challenges received between 1 February and the end of the financial year. The targets reflect the broader work of the Valuation Office in considering challenges and are not specific to cases on the classification of self-catering properties. Welsh Government officials are closely monitoring the performance of the Valuation Office, through established governance arrangements, and have sought assurances that plans are in place to improve performance moving into this year.
It would not be possible for a property owner to challenge the transfer of a property between the non-domestic rating and council tax lists before the relevant action has been taken by the Valuation Office, on the basis of the evidence reviewed according to the legislative framework. However, the right to challenge or appeal certain decisions and events remains an important element of fairness in local taxation systems. The relevant grounds for a challenge or appeal may be engaged following the action to which they relate, should a taxpayer wish to do so.
WQ99931 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99835, how many appeals are currently outstanding in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government does not hold data on the average waiting time, outstanding volumes, or changes to classifications following specific types of challenge or appeal related to self-catering properties (i.e. the omission of a property from a non-domestic rating list or its inclusion in a council tax list). These are operational matters for the HMRC Valuation Office.
The Valuation Office has its own targets to resolve 90% of non-domestic rates challenges within 12 months (the statutory deadline is 18 months) and 95% of council tax challenges within two months. These targets were not met during the 2025-26 financial year. A statutory deadline of four months for the resolution of council tax challenges took effect from 1 February 2026 (there was not previously a statutory deadline). The Valuation Office met this deadline for council tax challenges received between 1 February and the end of the financial year. The targets reflect the broader work of the Valuation Office in considering challenges and are not specific to cases on the classification of self-catering properties. Welsh Government officials are closely monitoring the performance of the Valuation Office, through established governance arrangements, and have sought assurances that plans are in place to improve performance moving into this year.
It would not be possible for a property owner to challenge the transfer of a property between the non-domestic rating and council tax lists before the relevant action has been taken by the Valuation Office, on the basis of the evidence reviewed according to the legislative framework. However, the right to challenge or appeal certain decisions and events remains an important element of fairness in local taxation systems. The relevant grounds for a challenge or appeal may be engaged following the action to which they relate, should a taxpayer wish to do so.
WQ99930 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99835, what is the current average waiting time for appeals relating to the 182-day threshold?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Government does not hold data on the average waiting time, outstanding volumes, or changes to classifications following specific types of challenge or appeal related to self-catering properties (i.e. the omission of a property from a non-domestic rating list or its inclusion in a council tax list). These are operational matters for the HMRC Valuation Office.
The Valuation Office has its own targets to resolve 90% of non-domestic rates challenges within 12 months (the statutory deadline is 18 months) and 95% of council tax challenges within two months. These targets were not met during the 2025-26 financial year. A statutory deadline of four months for the resolution of council tax challenges took effect from 1 February 2026 (there was not previously a statutory deadline). The Valuation Office met this deadline for council tax challenges received between 1 February and the end of the financial year. The targets reflect the broader work of the Valuation Office in considering challenges and are not specific to cases on the classification of self-catering properties. Welsh Government officials are closely monitoring the performance of the Valuation Office, through established governance arrangements, and have sought assurances that plans are in place to improve performance moving into this year.
It would not be possible for a property owner to challenge the transfer of a property between the non-domestic rating and council tax lists before the relevant action has been taken by the Valuation Office, on the basis of the evidence reviewed according to the legislative framework. However, the right to challenge or appeal certain decisions and events remains an important element of fairness in local taxation systems. The relevant grounds for a challenge or appeal may be engaged following the action to which they relate, should a taxpayer wish to do so.
WQ99844 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure disabled people have access to swimming?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Through Sport Wales, the Welsh Government is providing £925,375 to Disability Sport Wales in 2026-27 to increase opportunities for disabled people to be active for life, which includes opportunities to swim.
WQ99843 · Tabled · Answered
What funding is available to support disabled children and young people to access sport, recreation, and leisure opportunities?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Through Sport Wales the Welsh Government is providing £925,375 to Disability Sport Wales (DSW) in this financial year, supporting DSW’s ambition to increase opportunities for all disabled people to be active for life.
WQ99842 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to address the declining availability of accessible taxis?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises the important role accessible taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) play in removing barriers to independent travel for disabled people, including powered wheelchair users.
Taxi and PHV licensing is the responsibility of local authorities. To support greater consistency across Wales, the Welsh Government has published guidance for local authorities, including accessibility and equality training resources for drivers.
Disabled passengers can face barriers where taxi and PHV services are not designed, delivered or regulated in ways that are consistently accessible. Some powered wheelchairs also require vehicles with suitable space, access and securing arrangements. Wider equality legislation, including regulations on wheelchair-accessible taxis and PHVs, is reserved to the UK Government. The Law Commission is currently reviewing the legal framework for accessible transport in England and Wales.
Within devolved responsibilities, the Welsh Government is taking action through the Travel for All strategy to identify and remove barriers in transport policy, services and infrastructure, and to embed accessibility and inclusion from the outset. Travel for All User Research, commissioned in January 2026, is gathering evidence on the barriers people experience when using transport in Wales, including taxis, and will inform future policy development. A final report is expected in autumn 2026.
WQ99841 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the current provision of accessible taxis across Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises the important role accessible taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) play in removing barriers to independent travel for disabled people, including powered wheelchair users.
Taxi and PHV licensing is the responsibility of local authorities. To support greater consistency across Wales, the Welsh Government has published guidance for local authorities, including accessibility and equality training resources for drivers.
Disabled passengers can face barriers where taxi and PHV services are not designed, delivered or regulated in ways that are consistently accessible. Some powered wheelchairs also require vehicles with suitable space, access and securing arrangements. Wider equality legislation, including regulations on wheelchair-accessible taxis and PHVs, is reserved to the UK Government. The Law Commission is currently reviewing the legal framework for accessible transport in England and Wales.
Within devolved responsibilities, the Welsh Government is taking action through the Travel for All strategy to identify and remove barriers in transport policy, services and infrastructure, and to embed accessibility and inclusion from the outset. Travel for All User Research, commissioned in January 2026, is gathering evidence on the barriers people experience when using transport in Wales, including taxis, and will inform future policy development. A final report is expected in autumn 2026.
WQ99840 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure assistive technologies, including screen readers and communication software, are available and fully functional through the medium of Welsh?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
We want to make sure everyone can use their Welsh easily, without additional challenges. An important part of this is assistive technologies.
With funding from the Welsh Government, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) developed Welsh synthetic voices with software company IVONA. Through a collaboration between the Welsh Government and the RNIB, learners and teachers can now download these voices directly from Hwb and use them with compatible assistive technology, including screen readers.
Welsh Government analysts are also currently reviewing the evidence base to identify the approaches that have the greatest impact in supporting bilingual alternative and augmentative communication software. This work will help inform our ongoing consideration of how best to support the availability, functionality and use of Welsh language assistive technologies.
WQ99839 · Tabled · Answered
What funding is the Welsh Government allocating to improve the accessibility of Wales's cultural and heritage sites?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Our capital grants support local cultural organisations to improve accessibility across museums, libraries and archives in Wales. Accessibility is a key consideration of our major capital projects.
We have provided over £1.6 million in 2026-27 to support the local culture sector in delivering non-core activities that enhance accessibility. This funding will increase community engagement and participation in cultural activities at local and regional levels, helping more people to access and benefit from Wales's rich cultural and heritage offer.
Ensuring that culture is accessible to all is a priority for this government.
WQ99838 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government provide an up-to-date economic impact assessment of the 182-day threshold policy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The HMRC Valuation Office, which is independent of the Welsh Government, is responsible for classifying self-catering properties for local tax purposes, based on the criteria prescribed in legislation. The HMRC Transformation Roadmap includes targets for faster Valuation Office decisions on the classification of self-catering properties.
There are established statutory procedures for an owner to challenge the inclusion of their property in a council tax list or its omission from a non-domestic rating list, if they believe the property has not been classified correctly. The Valuation Office is required to take a decision in response to a challenge by the relevant statutory deadline. If the property owner believes the decision on their challenge is not correct, they may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales.
The Service Level Agreement between the Welsh Government and the Valuation Office includes a requirement to check the assessments of all self-catering properties listed for non-domestic rates at least once every two years. This is intended to ensure the non-domestic rating and council tax lists are updated regularly and support local authorities to collect the correct amount of tax. The Valuation Office is responsible for updating the lists when property classifications change and communicating directly with local authorities.
To support businesses, the Welsh Government is giving priority consideration to the delivery of our manifesto commitment to keep the 182-day letting threshold under review and create clear and reasonable new exemptions where self-catering accommodation would not qualify as a private home. In the meantime, some refinements to the application of the letting criteria confirmed by the previous Welsh Government took effect on 1 April 2026. Where properties are listed for council tax, there are a range of statutory exceptions from a premium which may apply. From 1 April 2027, eligible properties transferring from non-domestic rates to council tax will, under the new Class 8 exception, be liable only for the standard rate of council tax for 12 months and will not be subject to a premium during that period. In addition, Welsh Government guidance describes the broad discretion of individual local authorities in relation to council tax liability and premiums, which allows for tailoring of the local tax system to reflect local circumstances.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the increased letting criteria was published alongside the associated legislation in May 2022. Any further legislative changes, including in relation to our manifesto commitment, will be the subject of a corresponding Regulatory Impact Assessment.
WQ99837 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Welsh Government ensure genuine, long-established tourism businesses are not disadvantaged because of the 182-day threshold policy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The HMRC Valuation Office, which is independent of the Welsh Government, is responsible for classifying self-catering properties for local tax purposes, based on the criteria prescribed in legislation. The HMRC Transformation Roadmap includes targets for faster Valuation Office decisions on the classification of self-catering properties.
There are established statutory procedures for an owner to challenge the inclusion of their property in a council tax list or its omission from a non-domestic rating list, if they believe the property has not been classified correctly. The Valuation Office is required to take a decision in response to a challenge by the relevant statutory deadline. If the property owner believes the decision on their challenge is not correct, they may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales.
The Service Level Agreement between the Welsh Government and the Valuation Office includes a requirement to check the assessments of all self-catering properties listed for non-domestic rates at least once every two years. This is intended to ensure the non-domestic rating and council tax lists are updated regularly and support local authorities to collect the correct amount of tax. The Valuation Office is responsible for updating the lists when property classifications change and communicating directly with local authorities.
To support businesses, the Welsh Government is giving priority consideration to the delivery of our manifesto commitment to keep the 182-day letting threshold under review and create clear and reasonable new exemptions where self-catering accommodation would not qualify as a private home. In the meantime, some refinements to the application of the letting criteria confirmed by the previous Welsh Government took effect on 1 April 2026. Where properties are listed for council tax, there are a range of statutory exceptions from a premium which may apply. From 1 April 2027, eligible properties transferring from non-domestic rates to council tax will, under the new Class 8 exception, be liable only for the standard rate of council tax for 12 months and will not be subject to a premium during that period. In addition, Welsh Government guidance describes the broad discretion of individual local authorities in relation to council tax liability and premiums, which allows for tailoring of the local tax system to reflect local circumstances.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the increased letting criteria was published alongside the associated legislation in May 2022. Any further legislative changes, including in relation to our manifesto commitment, will be the subject of a corresponding Regulatory Impact Assessment.
WQ99836 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to improve the communication between the Valuation Office Agency and local authorities in administering the 182-day threshold policy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The HMRC Valuation Office, which is independent of the Welsh Government, is responsible for classifying self-catering properties for local tax purposes, based on the criteria prescribed in legislation. The HMRC Transformation Roadmap includes targets for faster Valuation Office decisions on the classification of self-catering properties.
There are established statutory procedures for an owner to challenge the inclusion of their property in a council tax list or its omission from a non-domestic rating list, if they believe the property has not been classified correctly. The Valuation Office is required to take a decision in response to a challenge by the relevant statutory deadline. If the property owner believes the decision on their challenge is not correct, they may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales.
The Service Level Agreement between the Welsh Government and the Valuation Office includes a requirement to check the assessments of all self-catering properties listed for non-domestic rates at least once every two years. This is intended to ensure the non-domestic rating and council tax lists are updated regularly and support local authorities to collect the correct amount of tax. The Valuation Office is responsible for updating the lists when property classifications change and communicating directly with local authorities.
To support businesses, the Welsh Government is giving priority consideration to the delivery of our manifesto commitment to keep the 182-day letting threshold under review and create clear and reasonable new exemptions where self-catering accommodation would not qualify as a private home. In the meantime, some refinements to the application of the letting criteria confirmed by the previous Welsh Government took effect on 1 April 2026. Where properties are listed for council tax, there are a range of statutory exceptions from a premium which may apply. From 1 April 2027, eligible properties transferring from non-domestic rates to council tax will, under the new Class 8 exception, be liable only for the standard rate of council tax for 12 months and will not be subject to a premium during that period. In addition, Welsh Government guidance describes the broad discretion of individual local authorities in relation to council tax liability and premiums, which allows for tailoring of the local tax system to reflect local circumstances.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the increased letting criteria was published alongside the associated legislation in May 2022. Any further legislative changes, including in relation to our manifesto commitment, will be the subject of a corresponding Regulatory Impact Assessment.
WQ99835 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to accelerate the speed of appeals for providers that fail to meet the 182-day threshold?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The HMRC Valuation Office, which is independent of the Welsh Government, is responsible for classifying self-catering properties for local tax purposes, based on the criteria prescribed in legislation. The HMRC Transformation Roadmap includes targets for faster Valuation Office decisions on the classification of self-catering properties.
There are established statutory procedures for an owner to challenge the inclusion of their property in a council tax list or its omission from a non-domestic rating list, if they believe the property has not been classified correctly. The Valuation Office is required to take a decision in response to a challenge by the relevant statutory deadline. If the property owner believes the decision on their challenge is not correct, they may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales.
The Service Level Agreement between the Welsh Government and the Valuation Office includes a requirement to check the assessments of all self-catering properties listed for non-domestic rates at least once every two years. This is intended to ensure the non-domestic rating and council tax lists are updated regularly and support local authorities to collect the correct amount of tax. The Valuation Office is responsible for updating the lists when property classifications change and communicating directly with local authorities.
To support businesses, the Welsh Government is giving priority consideration to the delivery of our manifesto commitment to keep the 182-day letting threshold under review and create clear and reasonable new exemptions where self-catering accommodation would not qualify as a private home. In the meantime, some refinements to the application of the letting criteria confirmed by the previous Welsh Government took effect on 1 April 2026. Where properties are listed for council tax, there are a range of statutory exceptions from a premium which may apply. From 1 April 2027, eligible properties transferring from non-domestic rates to council tax will, under the new Class 8 exception, be liable only for the standard rate of council tax for 12 months and will not be subject to a premium during that period. In addition, Welsh Government guidance describes the broad discretion of individual local authorities in relation to council tax liability and premiums, which allows for tailoring of the local tax system to reflect local circumstances.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the increased letting criteria was published alongside the associated legislation in May 2022. Any further legislative changes, including in relation to our manifesto commitment, will be the subject of a corresponding Regulatory Impact Assessment.
WQ99834 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to make the appeals process simpler and more transparent for providers appealing against the 182-day threshold?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The HMRC Valuation Office, which is independent of the Welsh Government, is responsible for classifying self-catering properties for local tax purposes, based on the criteria prescribed in legislation. The HMRC Transformation Roadmap includes targets for faster Valuation Office decisions on the classification of self-catering properties.
There are established statutory procedures for an owner to challenge the inclusion of their property in a council tax list or its omission from a non-domestic rating list, if they believe the property has not been classified correctly. The Valuation Office is required to take a decision in response to a challenge by the relevant statutory deadline. If the property owner believes the decision on their challenge is not correct, they may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales.
The Service Level Agreement between the Welsh Government and the Valuation Office includes a requirement to check the assessments of all self-catering properties listed for non-domestic rates at least once every two years. This is intended to ensure the non-domestic rating and council tax lists are updated regularly and support local authorities to collect the correct amount of tax. The Valuation Office is responsible for updating the lists when property classifications change and communicating directly with local authorities.
To support businesses, the Welsh Government is giving priority consideration to the delivery of our manifesto commitment to keep the 182-day letting threshold under review and create clear and reasonable new exemptions where self-catering accommodation would not qualify as a private home. In the meantime, some refinements to the application of the letting criteria confirmed by the previous Welsh Government took effect on 1 April 2026. Where properties are listed for council tax, there are a range of statutory exceptions from a premium which may apply. From 1 April 2027, eligible properties transferring from non-domestic rates to council tax will, under the new Class 8 exception, be liable only for the standard rate of council tax for 12 months and will not be subject to a premium during that period. In addition, Welsh Government guidance describes the broad discretion of individual local authorities in relation to council tax liability and premiums, which allows for tailoring of the local tax system to reflect local circumstances.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the increased letting criteria was published alongside the associated legislation in May 2022. Any further legislative changes, including in relation to our manifesto commitment, will be the subject of a corresponding Regulatory Impact Assessment.
WQ99630 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to reduce waiting times for people with endometriosis in west Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
In Ceredigion Penfro, patients can access endometriosis support from the Welsh Government funded Specialist Endometriosis Nurse based within Hywel Dda University Health Board who actively spends time with patients in clinics and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams to improve the endometriosis service provision within the health board.
Welsh Government funding also supports the Endometriosis Cymru website, which is available to people across Ceredigion and provides information, resources and tools to support symptom management and discussions with healthcare professionals.
We recognise that diagnosis of endometriosis can take too long. We are committed to strengthening the NHS Wales Women’s Health Plan – reducing delayed diagnosis and late treatment for women and girls in areas such as endometriosis.
We are taking forward a programme of work focused on improving the pathway across primary, secondary and tertiary services throughout Wales. This will include work to improve workforce skills to encourage earlier recognition of symptoms and improving access to assessment and treatment to reduce diagnostic delays across Wales.
WQ99629 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government supporting endometriosis patients in Ceredigion Penfro?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
In Ceredigion Penfro, patients can access endometriosis support from the Welsh Government funded Specialist Endometriosis Nurse based within Hywel Dda University Health Board who actively spends time with patients in clinics and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams to improve the endometriosis service provision within the health board.
Welsh Government funding also supports the Endometriosis Cymru website, which is available to people across Ceredigion and provides information, resources and tools to support symptom management and discussions with healthcare professionals.
We recognise that diagnosis of endometriosis can take too long. We are committed to strengthening the NHS Wales Women’s Health Plan – reducing delayed diagnosis and late treatment for women and girls in areas such as endometriosis.
We are taking forward a programme of work focused on improving the pathway across primary, secondary and tertiary services throughout Wales. This will include work to improve workforce skills to encourage earlier recognition of symptoms and improving access to assessment and treatment to reduce diagnostic delays across Wales.
WQ99628 · Tabled · No answer published
Does the Welsh Government have any plans to change how it values cattle that are compulsorily slaughtered by the Welsh Government as a result of bovine TB?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
WQ99627 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on any discussions he has had with DEFRA regarding Bovine TB?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
WQ99626 · Tabled · No answer published
When does the Welsh Government intend to publish its Bovine TB eradication strategy, or will it continue with the previous Welsh Government’s approach?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
WQ99625 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government consider legislating to give local authorities powers to end pavement parking?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
This Government is committed to enabling and encouraging more people to make everyday journeys on foot. Pavement parking undermines that aim and can create barriers for pedestrians, particularly disabled people, older people and those with pushchairs.
We are seeking to change driver behaviour by raising awareness that pavements are for pedestrians, not vehicles, supported by the deterrent of effective enforcement. Officials are considering how best to provide local authorities with further powers to tackle pavement parking.
Local authorities in Wales already have powers to issue fines where vehicles block dropped kerbs, helping to enforce rule 243 of the Highway Code by keeping pedestrian crossings, cycle crossings and access to driveways clear. The police may also intervene where urgent access is required.
WQ99624 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to address pavement parking and parking on dropped kerbs?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
This Government is committed to enabling and encouraging more people to make everyday journeys on foot. Pavement parking undermines that aim and can create barriers for pedestrians, particularly disabled people, older people and those with pushchairs.
We are seeking to change driver behaviour by raising awareness that pavements are for pedestrians, not vehicles, supported by the deterrent of effective enforcement. Officials are considering how best to provide local authorities with further powers to tackle pavement parking.
Local authorities in Wales already have powers to issue fines where vehicles block dropped kerbs, helping to enforce rule 243 of the Highway Code by keeping pedestrian crossings, cycle crossings and access to driveways clear. The police may also intervene where urgent access is required.
WQ99472 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government engaging with Ofcom on its proposals outlined in its consultation on ‘Prominence and accessibility on connected TV platforms’?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The Welsh Government is engaging with Ofcom on its proposals outlined in its consultation on 'Prominence and accessibility on connected TV platforms’ through direct discussions with officers at Ofcom Wales and the central Ofcom team with responsibility for this area of work.
WQ99475 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government planning to take in relation to broadcasting and media in the next twelve months?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
As set out in my priorities statement in the Senedd, I am committed to strengthening the media and broadcasting framework for Wales and building the case for the devolution of powers over broadcasting and communications.
As a first step, I will be publishing my plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales within the first 100 days of this government.
WQ99474 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Welsh Government made any representations to the UK Government in relation to its review of the BBC Royal Charter?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The Welsh Government is in discussion with the UK Government and the BBC on this matter.
WQ99473 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on her work in relation to the Welsh Government's media and broadcasting policy?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
As set out in my priorities statement in the Senedd, I am committed to strengthening the media and broadcasting framework for Wales and building the case for the devolution of powers over broadcasting and communications.
As a first step, I will be publishing my plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales within the first 100 days of this government.
WQ99471 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Cabinet Minister plan to embed future threats to seabirds in the Welsh seabird conservation strategy?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Seabird Conservation Strategy includes regular review points to assess the evidence underpinning the vulnerability assessments used to identify the key pressures affecting seabirds. These reviews will ensure that the Strategy remains informed by the best available evidence. In parallel, the Strategy's recommendations will be reviewed, and where new evidence indicates a change in seabird vulnerability or the pressures they face, the recommendations may be revised accordingly.
WQ99470 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Cabinet Minister ensure that the Welsh seabird conservation strategy is effectively delivered and monitored?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I will be engaging with my officials to discuss potential approaches to delivering the Welsh Seabird Conservation Strategy effectively.
The Strategy includes interim review points, enabling recommendations and supporting evidence to be reassessed in light of progress and emerging data. In addition, the Strategy's timeframe allows for the completion of regular statutory marine seabird assessments, including the State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) and reporting under the UK Marine Strategy on the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES).
WQ99469 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to increase the number of bus services running in the evenings and weekends in Ceredigion Penfro?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Local authorities are responsible for assessing local transport needs and can use Welsh Government funding, including the Bus Network Grant and Bus Services Support Grant, to support socially necessary services where commercial provision is not viable. We continue to provide significant funding to help local authorities maintain and enhance bus networks, including evening and weekend services where local need is identified.
WQ99468 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ98513, will the Cabinet Minister provide a breakdown of the £16.9 million funding for south-west Wales by local authority area?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The £16.9 million allocated to south-west Wales through the Bus Network Grant (BNG) and Bus Services Support Grant (BSSG) is provided to the region via the regional lead authority, Swansea City Council. Funding is then distributed across constituent local authorities based on an agreed regional approach, reflecting local transport needs and priorities determined collectively by the authorities within the region.
WQ99467 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure bus timetables across west Wales are accurate and up-to-date?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Transport for Wales on behalf of Welsh Government is working with local authorities and bus operators to improve the quality and timeliness of passenger information. Through our bus grant programmes, we require the prompt communication of timetable changes, including online and at bus stops, and support the provision of accurate real-time information wherever available.
The Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 places duties on operators to provide data to Welsh Ministers, as well as a duty on Welsh Ministers to publish information about the bus network. A consultation exercise will begin imminently on regulations which set out the obligations of operators.
WQ99466 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to make bus stops safer in Ceredigion Penfro?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Transport for Wales on behalf of Welsh Government is working with local authorities to improve the safety and accessibility of bus stops across Wales. Through funding programmes and ongoing accessibility audits, we are supporting infrastructure improvements, better passenger information and the development of guidance to help ensure bus stops are safe, welcoming and accessible.
WQ99386 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the status of the recommendation 13 of the Ministerial Advisory Group to collect and publish granular tumour-level performance data from the start of the 2026-27 financial year, which was accepted by the previous Welsh Government?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The previous administration committed to collecting and publishing sub-tumour level performance data as part of a wider cancer data development roadmap. The roadmap was commissioned by the National Cancer Leadership Board in March 2025 and approved by the Board in December 2025.
Digital Health and Care Wales presented implementation options to the Board in February and April 2026. The preferred option was then discussed with NHS Directors of Digital on 6 May, and work is underway to identify the data governance and linkages that will be required to achieve this as part of the requirements in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan.
Delivery of the cancer data development roadmap has also been included in Digital Health and Care Wales’ remit letter for 2026-27.
WQ99358 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to recruit and retain primary care practitioners?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is committed to attracting and retaining a sustainable primary care workforce, recognising that a well-trained multidisciplinary workforce is essential to the delivery of high-quality services for patients. We have also committed to recruiting an additional 100 new salaried GPs to help strengthen services, including improving out-of-hours care.
To support multidisciplinary team recruitment in general practice recruitment, the dedicated GPWales website enables practices to advertise and manage vacancies free of charge, providing a single advertising point. Vacancies advertised on GPWales are also posted on NHS Jobs, increasing visibility and supporting faster recruitment across practices and clusters.
Retention of primary care contractors is supported through actions in the Strategic Workforce Plan for Primary Care. The Plan outlines a range of national initiatives to support wellbeing and flexible working arrangements and preceptorship, mentoring and support for those new to primary care.
The GP retainer scheme is intended as short-term support for GPs who have family commitments or health problems which restrict them from working in general practice. The scheme supports continued participation in the workforce, alongside financial support for practices hosting retainers. Around 30 GPs access the scheme every year.
We are strengthening the pipeline into primary care through sustained investment in education and training, alongside targeted incentives and national campaigns such as Train, Work, Live to attract professionals into hard-to-recruit areas. In addition we are expanding the multidisciplinary workforce by supporting practitioners to work at the top of their licence through growing roles such as pharmacists, practice nurses and allied health professionals to improve access and reduce pressure on GPs.
WQ99357 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government bring forward any new measures to help manage GP workloads?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Welsh Government officials work closely with NHS Wales and GP representative bodies to improve service delivery, support sustainable workloads and maintain patient access.
Our commitments to strengthen primary care capacity, including recruiting more GPs and increasing the share of funding directed to primary care, will further support sustainable workloads for practices.
WQ99356 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to make it easier for patients to access GP appointments?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We will improve access to GP appointments by delivering our commitment to recruit up to 100 additional GPs and to increase the share of health board funding directed towards primary care.
The access standards mean patients should be able to use a range of routes, including telephone, digital and in‑person access, supported by the NHS Wales App
This will be supported by developing more collaborative and federated models of working across practices to improve resilience and expand access for patients.
WQ99355 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government improving access to primary care services?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The whole health system in Wales is facing huge levels of rising demand and complexity. This is impacting on access to services including primary care services in our communities. To address this, we know the system must change to one focused on prevention and care close to home to increase its sustainability and in turn to improve access. On 18 June, I convened a summit with NHS leaders to agree priorities for a sustainable shift of NHS resources towards primary care. An early agreed priority was for Health Boards to increase the proportion of their spending on primary care by 0.5% from 2027-28. This will support a range of activity improve access to primary care, including the commitment to recruit 100 additional GPs in Wales over the course of the Senedd term.
WQ99354 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government doing to support the sustainability of faith schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government recognises the contribution that faith schools make to the education sector, with 220 Roman Catholic, Church in Wales and Anglican schools in Wales.
The Welsh Government supports the sustainability of faith schools through dedicated £19.2 million in capital grants for the maintenance and repair of voluntary aided school buildings, recognising the financial pressures facing the sector. In addition, £13 million has been allocated to diocesan authorities through the Voluntary Aided Capital Repairs and Maintenance Programme to support smaller-scale, priority maintenance projects. A further £6.4 million has been made available through these grant schemes in the current financial year, ensuring continued support for the upkeep of voluntary aided school estates and helping to maintain safe, sustainable learning environments for learners and staff.
Under the main Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, local authorities are expected to work closely with diocesan authorities in developing their Strategic Outline Plans for the education estate. This helps ensure that faith-based provision is appropriately considered in long-term planning for the school estate.
WQ99353 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99177, will the Cabinet Minister provide a breakdown of that funding by local authority area?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The £100,000 referred to in my answer to WQ99177 has been allocated on an all-Wales basis to support feasibility work on enhanced odour monitoring at landfill sites.
The funding will be used to assess the practical application of odour monitoring across Wales, with activity prioritised according to risk, evidence and operational priorities, rather than through predetermined allocations to individual local authorities. This approach will ensure the work can focus on the areas where it will have the greatest value and will provide an evidence-base to inform any future decisions on odour monitoring at landfill sites.
WQ99352 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99030, will the Cabinet Minister confirm when digital waste tracking will be introduced?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Digital Waste Tracking (Wales) Regulations 2026 will come into force on 1 October 2026.
WQ99351 · Tabled · Answered
When will the Welsh Government introduce its cancer plan for Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
This Government’s commitment to develop a National Cancer Plan reflects our determination to improve cancer care and outcomes. The plan will set out an ambitious future for cancer care in Wales and give the NHS the clarity it needs to focus on this set of conditions and to deliver better services for the people of Wales.
We are working at pace as part of our 100-day commitments to bring forward our plans, and I will update Members ahead of summer recess to confirm our intentions and outline how stakeholders will be engaged in its development. I intend to publish the plan in February 2027 to coincide with World Cancer Day. We will then work closely with the NHS and wider partners to support delivery of its key priorities.
The National Cancer Plan will be developed to support improvements in outcomes for people affected by all types of cancer in Wales, and will therefore be as relevant to people with leukaemia as it will be to those affected by other cancers.
By addressing challenges across cancer pathways and driving service improvement in line with clinical standards, the National Cancer Plan will support the NHS to deliver high-quality, equitable and person-centred cancer care, helping to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer in Wales.
WQ99350 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm that leukaemia will be included in the new cancer plan for Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
This Government’s commitment to develop a National Cancer Plan reflects our determination to improve cancer care and outcomes. The plan will set out an ambitious future for cancer care in Wales and give the NHS the clarity it needs to focus on this set of conditions and to deliver better services for the people of Wales.
We are working at pace as part of our 100-day commitments to bring forward our plans, and I will update Members ahead of summer recess to confirm our intentions and outline how stakeholders will be engaged in its development. I intend to publish the plan in February 2027 to coincide with World Cancer Day. We will then work closely with the NHS and wider partners to support delivery of its key priorities.
The National Cancer Plan will be developed to support improvements in outcomes for people affected by all types of cancer in Wales, and will therefore be as relevant to people with leukaemia as it will be to those affected by other cancers.
By addressing challenges across cancer pathways and driving service improvement in line with clinical standards, the National Cancer Plan will support the NHS to deliver high-quality, equitable and person-centred cancer care, helping to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer in Wales.
WQ99349 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve patient outcomes for people with leukaemia?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
This Government’s commitment to develop a National Cancer Plan reflects our determination to improve cancer care and outcomes. The plan will set out an ambitious future for cancer care in Wales and give the NHS the clarity it needs to focus on this set of conditions and to deliver better services for the people of Wales.
We are working at pace as part of our 100-day commitments to bring forward our plans, and I will update Members ahead of summer recess to confirm our intentions and outline how stakeholders will be engaged in its development. I intend to publish the plan in February 2027 to coincide with World Cancer Day. We will then work closely with the NHS and wider partners to support delivery of its key priorities.
The National Cancer Plan will be developed to support improvements in outcomes for people affected by all types of cancer in Wales, and will therefore be as relevant to people with leukaemia as it will be to those affected by other cancers.
By addressing challenges across cancer pathways and driving service improvement in line with clinical standards, the National Cancer Plan will support the NHS to deliver high-quality, equitable and person-centred cancer care, helping to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer in Wales.
WQ99178 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99028, what consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to whether Natural Resources Wales has the powers and resources it needs to take effective action on non-compliance issues in relation to landfill sites in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has statutory powers to address non-compliance, including issuing enforcement notices, varying or suspending permits, and pursuing prosecutions where appropriate. Its enforcement activity is guided by its Enforcement and Sanctions Policy, and it works closely with partners such as local authorities, the police and the Welsh Revenue Authority to tackle non-compliance and wider waste crime.
The Welsh Government has provided additional funding in recent years to strengthen NRW’s regulatory capacity, including support for a dedicated waste crime function and the development of intelligence-led enforcement approaches. However, I recognise concerns from communities living near landfill sites, particularly regarding odour and other nuisance impacts.
Officials work closely with NRW to assess its operational requirements and ensure it has the necessary capacity, skills and resources in place to discharge its regulatory duties effectively.
WQ99180 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government supporting local authorities to keep small schools open across Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The responsibility for the planning of school places rests with local authorities. Local authorities must ensure there are sufficient schools providing primary and secondary education for their area.
When making substantial changes to schools, including closing a school, local authorities and other proposers must comply with the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code, which sets out the statutory procedures that must be followed.
In recognition of the importance of schools in rural communities, the Code was strengthened in 2018, establishing a procedural presumption against the closure of rural schools. This does not mean that rural schools will never close, however the case for closure must be strong and not taken until all viable alternatives have been explored. It sets high standards for consultation, giving all those with an interest the chance to make their views known.
We are committed to reviewing how the presumption against the closure of rural schools policy is being implemented to ensure decisions are guided by the best interests of learners.
Whilst there is no statutory duty to consult on the closure of small schools as defined in the 2013 Act, proposers must still take into account a range of factors; the prime consideration being the interests of learners. If a small school is designated as rural, proposers must also follow the further requirements as prescribed in the Code. They must fully assess the impact on the community and are required to undertake a Welsh language impact assessment.
WQ99179 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government’s policy in relation to supporting small rural schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The responsibility for the planning of school places rests with local authorities. Local authorities must ensure there are sufficient schools providing primary and secondary education for their area.
When making substantial changes to schools, including closing a school, local authorities and other proposers must comply with the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code, which sets out the statutory procedures that must be followed.
In recognition of the importance of schools in rural communities, the Code was strengthened in 2018, establishing a procedural presumption against the closure of rural schools. This does not mean that rural schools will never close, however the case for closure must be strong and not taken until all viable alternatives have been explored. It sets high standards for consultation, giving all those with an interest the chance to make their views known.
We are committed to reviewing how the presumption against the closure of rural schools policy is being implemented to ensure decisions are guided by the best interests of learners.
Whilst there is no statutory duty to consult on the closure of small schools as defined in the 2013 Act, proposers must still take into account a range of factors; the prime consideration being the interests of learners. If a small school is designated as rural, proposers must also follow the further requirements as prescribed in the Code. They must fully assess the impact on the community and are required to undertake a Welsh language impact assessment.
WQ99177 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99032, how much funding has been allocated to support further work on enhanced odour monitoring at landfill sites?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
An initial £100,000 has been allocated to support work on odour monitoring at landfill sites in Wales. Should the programme develop further, additional funding may be required.
WQ99176 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government ensuring that children and young people are aware of the support available to them in relation to mental health?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out the actions we are taking across the Welsh Government and with partners to improve mental health and wellbeing, and to improve mental health services. The Strategy includes a range of measures that we will use to track our progress.
The Welsh Government is using our NYTH/NEST framework to bring a partnership approach to mental health and wellbeing support for babies, children and young people. We are introducing a new young person’s engagement resource to support settings to gather children, and young people’s views on mental health and wellbeing services so their voices are informing improvement and change to services. We are also publishing podcasts discussing good practice in delivering mental health and wellbeing support.
Children and young people should get the support they need, when they need and we believe there should be no wrong door for mental health support. We are transforming mental health services to provide same-day access, ensuring people of all ages can access the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.
We support a number of third sector organisations who provide a range of specialist services and helplines, and these are advertised in schools, youth clubs and online to ensure young people know about the support available. Health boards also commission a range of third sector organisations to deliver support as part of local mental health services. Health boards also have local arrangements to raise awareness of services, support and how to access them.
We have also published information for schools about services available in each region and the Dewis website offers a comprehensive list of support services searchable by area and specialism. Part of ensuring children and young people are aware of what support is available to them is ensuring that support is joined up and the system is easy to navigate and access. Work is also underway through our NEST framework to achieve a joined-up system. To drive this change, we are developing a No Wrong Door checklist for regions to structure their no wrong door approach and ensure families have easy access to expertise.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.