Siambr · Tom Montgomery
Written questions
34 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ101096 · Tabled · No answer published
What funding did the Welsh Government allocate in it's 2026-27 budget to deliver additional accessible therapeutic provision in line with the 2025 national practice guidance for therapeutic support for care experienced children and young people?
To be answered by: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
WQ101095 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister outline how the Welsh Government is current addressing the gap in therapeutic provision for care-experienced and adopted children?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101094 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister establish a clear pathway to therapeutic support for children who are adopted?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ100679 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99915, will the Cabinet Minister clarify why the Welsh Government does not currently operate a grant scheme that provides funding directly to veterinary professionals to undertake testing for bovine TB in wildlife?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Although we do not currently operate a grant scheme to undertake testing for TB in wildlife, we do fund the All Wales Badger Found Dead Survey through a fully procured contract. We are also about to reintroduce the passive deer surveillance survey where samples collected from deer culled for management purposes are examined for bovine TB.
I eagerly await the advice from the bovine TB Technical Advisory Group and Programme Board to implement a new approach to managing TB. This may lead to opportunities for veterinary professionals to propose methods to fill any identified evidence gaps.
WQ100678 · Tabled · No answer published
Further to WQ100544, will the First Minister clarify whether there was any cost to the Welsh Government associated with his presence at the Voco St David’s Hotel on 14 September 2026?
To be answered by: First Minister
WQ100668 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any threat posed by the increasing cost of fuel to the sustainability of home-to-school transport in Flintshire?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises that operating costs, including fuel prices, can affect the cost of delivering learner travel as well as other statutory duties provided by local authorities.
Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of learner travel arrangements and use core funding received through the annual local government revenue settlement, as well as their own resources, to support these services.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage regularly with local authorities across Wales, the transport sector and relevant UK Government departments on the pressures affecting service delivery and sustainability.
WQ100667 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any threat posed by the increasing cost of fuel to the sustainability of home-to-school transport in Denbighshire?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises that operating costs, including fuel prices, can affect the cost of delivering learner travel as well as other statutory duties provided by local authorities.
Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of learner travel arrangements and use core funding received through the annual local government revenue settlement, as well as their own resources, to support these services.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage regularly with local authorities across Wales, the transport sector and relevant UK Government departments on the pressures affecting service delivery and sustainability.
WQ100666 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any threat posed by the increasing cost of fuel to the sustainability of home-to-school transport in Conwy County?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises that operating costs, including fuel prices, can affect the cost of delivering learner travel as well as other statutory duties provided by local authorities.
Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of learner travel arrangements and use core funding received through the annual local government revenue settlement, as well as their own resources, to support these services.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage regularly with local authorities across Wales, the transport sector and relevant UK Government departments on the pressures affecting service delivery and sustainability.
WQ100665 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government cooperate with local authorities to help enable an uplift in payments to home-to-school transport providers in light of the increased cost of fuel?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises that operating costs, including fuel prices, can affect the cost of delivering learner travel as well as other statutory duties provided by local authorities.
Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of learner travel arrangements and use core funding received through the annual local government revenue settlement, as well as their own resources, to support these services.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage regularly with local authorities across Wales, the transport sector and relevant UK Government departments on the pressures affecting service delivery and sustainability.
WQ100544 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister set out any costs to the Welsh Government arising from the Cardiff Agreement summit at the Voco St David's Hotel on 14 September 2026?
Answered by First Minister
The Cardiff Agreement was not signed at the Voco St David's Hotel on 14 September. I refer the Member to the Written Statement, issued on 14 September, which sets out the basis and detail of the Cardiff Agreement between the Welsh Government and Scottish Government.
WQ100543 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister liaise with Transport for Wales to assess the possibility of increasing the frequency of the T8 service between Corwen and Chester?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
I am pleased to confirm that following an initial successful pilot service, Transport for Wales have recently awarded a new service contract, which will secure the TrawsCymru T8 bus route linking Corwen – Ruthin – Mold for a further five years. The T8 bus service provides improved direct public transport connectivity between key centres in north Wales and will make an important contribution to the growing TrawsCymru strategic bus network across Wales funded by the Welsh Government.
Although there are no immediate plans to improve the frequency of service on this route, we have asked Transport for Wales to monitor passenger levels closely, and if there is clear evidence of passenger demand identify opportunities to further improve the frequency and hours of operation of the service. I would stress however that any future decisions about potential service enhancements will be dependent upon the availability of future funding and as well as the operational performance of the service.
WQ100541 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister consider linking pay and contracts for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board leadership to the health board's performance?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Performance-related pay is not a feature of the current Executive and Senior Pay (ESP) contractual arrangements. The framework is based on agreed national terms and conditions, with remuneration determined through established pay and governance mechanisms rather than individual performance incentives. Any move to introduce performance-related pay would require consideration of the existing contractual framework, potential contractual changes, and the implications for consistency, fairness and workforce relations across NHS Wales.
WQ100542 · Tabled · Answered
What steps will the Cabinet Minister take to ensure childhood vaccines uptake reaches the target of 95 per cent?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
The Welsh Government is committed to increasing childhood vaccination uptake in line with World Health Organization recommendations.
Improving childhood vaccination uptake remains a key priority and we will work to ensure every child has the opportunity to receive the right vaccines at the right time.
Working closely with NHS Wales and Public Health Wales we will improve uptake through targeted catch-up activity, public engagement campaigns, and action to reduce inequalities in access to vaccination services. Every health board in Wales now has a Vaccination Equity Strategic Plan and is using targeted interventions to improve uptake in communities where vaccination coverage is lower.
We are also investing in the Welsh Immunisation System and improving how vaccination uptake is monitored across Wales. This helps health boards identify children requiring catch-up vaccination more quickly and target action where it is needed most.
WQ100540 · Tabled · Answered
What steps has the Cabinet Minister taken to ensure that the foundational literacy and numeracy plan reflects best practice in other nations?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan has been informed by international evidence and best practice. The Plan makes clear our commitment to learning from other jurisdictions and we will continue to draw on the expertise of our literacy and numeracy expert panels, which have a critical role in ensuring our efforts to raise standards are informed by latest developments and the best available information.
WQ100539 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister clarify whether the foundational literacy and numeracy plan will set targets for improving PISA results?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The new Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan will set clear targets to support improvement of literacy and numeracy. This will include national indicators to monitor reading and procedural numeracy progress at Year 6 and achievement of relevant English or Cymraeg and mathematics qualifications at Year 11. The Plan makes clear our targets to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence, with further targets for the remaining indicators to be set once baselines have been established. The indicators will provide a timelier measure of progress given that the next PISA assessment will not take place until 2029, with results published in 2030.
WQ100188 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the potential impact of the UK Government’s early release scheme on housing stock in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
We note the introduction of the Sentencing Act 2026 and continue to engage with the UK Government to carry out its implementation in Wales. Criminal justice policy is reserved to the UK Government and inevitably has impacts on Welsh public services.
We continue to assess the potential impact of the reforms on devolved services in Wales, including health, specialist victim support, housing, safeguarding and wider public services and will seek assurances that any consequences are fully understood and appropriately resourced.
WQ100187 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the impact the Nation of Sanctuary status is having on Home Office decisions to place asylum seekers in Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Decisions relating to the provision of asylum accommodation are a matter for the Home Office. This is governed by relevant legislation.
WQ100186 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to tackle the fact that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is the only health board in Wales that provides a specialist psychological support pathway for pregnancy and baby loss?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of ensuring that women and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss can access appropriate psychological and bereavement support, wherever they live in Wales. The Onnen Baby Loss specialist psychological support pilot, delivered by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, is subject to an independent evaluation. The evaluation is now in its procurement phase and will commence once an evaluator is appointed. The findings will assess the effectiveness of the model and inform decisions on potential wider implementation across Wales, ensuring any future approach is evidence-based and supports our wider commitment to compassionate, consistent bereavement care.
WQ100185 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the availability of mental health support for bereaved parents in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government recognises that the loss of a child can have a profound impact on the mental health and wellbeing of bereaved parents. A range of national and local support services are available to bereaved families in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area, including bereavement, mental health and specialist support pathways.
The National Bereavement Care Pathway and the Framework for the Delivery of Bereavement Care in Wales support health boards and partner organisations to provide consistent, compassionate and person-centred bereavement support. Through these arrangements, bereaved parents can access support through primary care, community services, specialist bereavement provision and mental health services, according to their individual needs.
Welsh Government also continues to invest in bereavement support through the Bereavement Support Grant, which helps strengthen services across Wales and improve access to appropriate support for individuals and families experiencing bereavement, including those requiring specialist interventions for complex grief.
We recognise that bereavement following a sudden or traumatic death, including suspected or confirmed suicide, can be particularly devastating. This is why we commissioned the National Advisory and Liaison Service (NALS), which provides a consistent, timely and proactive offer of support to people exposed to, affected by, or bereaved following a sudden unexplained death that may be a suicide. The service helps people access practical, emotional and psychological support at an early stage.
More broadly, as part of the implementation of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we are moving towards open-access mental health services. NHS Performance and Improvement colleagues are working with health boards, including Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, to support this work, and a range of demonstrator pilots are currently testing the model to improve timely access to mental health support.
Together, these measures help ensure that bereaved parents in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area are able to access appropriate bereavement and mental health support based on their individual circumstances and needs.
WQ100184 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ98705, will the Cabinet Minister clarify why the Welsh Government is not introducing targets for reducing stillbirths and neonatal deaths?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
While Wales does not currently have specific numerical targets for reducing stillbirth and neonatal death rates, the introduction of such targets is being kept under active consideration. Whilst targets in and of themselves do not lead to improved outcomes, I fully recognise their potential value as a measure of progress. In the meantime, we continue to pursue a robust programme of quality improvement across maternity and neonatal services to deliver improved outcomes for women, families and babies.
WQ100047 · Tabled · Answered
Why will the Cabinet Minister not extend the Visitor Levy exclusion to all children and young people under 18 years of age in all types of visitor accommodation?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
Those 18 and under are not subject to the lower rate of the levy. This reflects the use of these accommodation types by youth groups, charities and schools. This approach helps to maintain accessibility for families, young people, and group travellers. Having a broad tax base keeps the rates low for all visitors, reduces administrative complexity for businesses, and sets the levy below the average rates charged across Europe.
WQ99997 · Tabled · Answered
Why has the Cabinet Minister not expanded the Help to Buy – Wales scheme to include older housing stock?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Help to Buy – Wales has helped to make homeownership more affordable for thousands of households, with more than 15,000 completions since its launch. As it is currently available on new build homes only, it also provides vital support to house builders and SMEs in our communities, which in turn brings jobs and economic growth.
On 27 July I announced the extension of Help to Buy - Wales and two other support schemes which make homeownership more accessible and affordable to people across Wales.
Other Welsh Government support schemes do provide opportunities to purchase existing housing stock including Homebuy-Wales and Shared Ownership Wales. I am currently reviewing all Welsh Government support for making homeownership more affordable.
WQ99996 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister work with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to develop plans to expand the opening hours and services offered at Denbigh Infirmary Community Hospital Minor Injuries Unit?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The provision and opening hours of Minor Injuries Units are matters for local health boards, which are responsible for the planning and delivery of services to meet the needs of their communities.
Welsh Government supports the development of local, community-based models of care through our Community by Design programme, helping more people access the right care closer to home.
We are also developing a new Emergency and Acute Care Policy Framework for Wales, which will help inform how urgent and emergency care services evolve over the coming years to improve access, quality and outcomes for patients, including the contribution of community-based urgent care services.
WQ99995 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister commission a study into the potential reinstatement of the railway line between Penyffordd and the east of Mold?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Rail infrastructure outside of the Core Valley Lines in the south east of Wales is the reserved responsibility of the UK Government. There are no current plans to reinstate the railway line between Penyffordd and the east of Mold or any current plans for a study into the potential re-opening. The Welsh Government’s current priorities for improving the rail network are set out within Transport for Wales’ rail vision “Today, Tomorrow, Together”. I am committed to improving connectivity and access to public transport across Wales, particularly for communities with limited transport options. In many circumstances this will be more achievable with improved bus services rather than re-opening rail lines.
WQ99994 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister clarify whether he discussed independence for Wales and Scotland with the First Minister of Scotland during their recent meeting in Glasgow?
Answered by First Minister
We had a productive discussion covering a number of matters of mutual interest, including supporting families with the cost-of-living crisis, promoting Scotland and Wales on the world stage, and ensuring that our respective nations are empowered and respected so that our governments can deliver to the best of our ability for the people we serve.
WQ99992 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government work with local authorities in north-east Wales to develop plans for a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool for the region?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Our 100-day plan includes a commitment to commission an audit of community and regional sporting facilities, engaging key partners, including National Governing Bodies such as Swim Wales. This is an important first step in helping us understand where capital investment can be prioritised and have the greatest impact. The audit is already underway and, alongside the development of a new Culture and Sport Strategy, will help shape future investment decisions and strategic priorities. To influence this work, I would welcome your contribution to our call for evidence that was launched on 5 August.
A vision for culture and sport in Wales: call for evidence | GOV.WALES
WQ99916 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister expand permitted development rights for installing electrical vehicle charging points so that listed buildings no longer have to apply for Listed Building Consent?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government is committed to supporting the deployment of low carbon and renewable energy technologies where appropriate. We will continue to keep permitted development rights under review to ensure that they support the delivery of climate change objectives, while maintaining appropriate safeguards for listed buildings and the historic environment.
WQ99915 · Tabled · Answered
How much grant funding is available for veterinary professionals who wish to undertake testing for bovine tb in wildlife in the Intermediate TB area north during the 2026/27 financial year?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government is continuing to develop its holistic and evidence-based approach to tackling bovine tuberculosis (TB).
Any proposals will be informed by scientific and veterinary evidence, disease epidemiology, operational feasibility and value for money considerations.
The Intermediate TB Area North remains an important part of Wales' TB eradication programme and will be considered alongside other areas.
The Welsh Government does not currently operate a grant scheme that provides funding directly to veterinary professionals to undertake testing for bovine TB in wildlife.
WQ99914 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister commit to including the Intermediate TB area north in the first phase of any trials aimed at tackling the disease in wildlife?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government is continuing to develop its holistic and evidence-based approach to tackling bovine tuberculosis (TB).
Any proposals will be informed by scientific and veterinary evidence, disease epidemiology, operational feasibility and value for money considerations.
The Intermediate TB Area North remains an important part of Wales' TB eradication programme and will be considered alongside other areas.
The Welsh Government does not currently operate a grant scheme that provides funding directly to veterinary professionals to undertake testing for bovine TB in wildlife.
WQ99913 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister amend Universal Action 8 of the Sustainable Farming Scheme so that hedgerows can be trimmed or cut annually?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
We are considering variations to Universal Action 8 based on feedback from stakeholders and farmers, however no decisions have been made yet. It is important we consider practical management issues alongside the delivery of biodiversity benefits such as the provision of winter food for wildlife.
WQ99912 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister assess the impact of the current dry weather on winter fodder stocks with the aim of ascertaining whether emergency support will be required later in the year?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
My officials are working with counterparts in the UK Government and other Devolved Governments to monitor input costs and the impact of weather events on agricultural markets through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group. Early findings from AHDB’s harvest monitoring show that the 2026 harvest is progressing earlier than usual, with cereal yields generally below the 10-year average following prolonged hot and dry weather. Yield performance varies considerably across regions and farm types, reflecting differences in rainfall, soil type and moisture retention. Further iterations of the AHDB Harvest Progress Report are due later in August and during September, which will provide a clearer assessment of crop production, quality and potential implications for livestock feed availability and farm business resilience
The Welsh Government Drought Liaison Group is also meeting regularly, bringing together relevant organisations to share intelligence and support a coordinated response where impacts emerge.
Farmers in the Sustainable Farming Scheme can apply for a temporary derogation where extreme weather affects their ability to meet scheme requirements.
WQ99424 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions is the Cabinet Minister having with the Cabinet Minister for Finance on reducing business rates to support small businesses on high streets?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
I regularly discuss areas of shared policy interest in other portfolios with the responsible Cabinet Ministers. Our manifesto commitment on Non-Domestic rates support was discussed in Cabinet on 29 June.
WQ99320 · Tabled · Answered
What work is the Welsh Government undertaking to review social housing allocation policy across Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Local authorities remain responsible for the allocation of social housing in their areas and are required, under section 167 of the Housing Act 1996, to maintain allocation schemes which determine priorities and procedures.
Legislation requires reasonable preference to be given to those in the greatest housing need, while allowing local authorities flexibility to reflect local circumstances. For this reason, local authorities should work closely with social landlords and other key partners to ensure allocation policies respond effectively to the needs of their communities.
This approach is informed by work undertaken by Alma Economics and commissioned by the Welsh Government undertaken in 2024 - Exploring the Allocation of Social Housing in Wales, which highlights the importance of stronger partnership working between local authorities and other housing providers to ensure those in greatest housing need are prioritised effectively.
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 builds on the evidence to date and introduces reforms designed to maximise the use of social housing for those in greatest need, while improving transparency, consistency and public understanding of allocation decisions and procedures.
The Act will be subject to ongoing review to evaluate its implementation and impact, including the changes to allocation law. Combined with the new data requirements of the Act, this will provide a robust evidence base on how social housing allocation approaches change as a result of these reforms.
Given the scale of these changes, I do not consider it appropriate to undertake a separate review of allocation policies ahead of implementation of the Act. My priority is to deliver these reforms and assess their impact in practice.
WQ99266 · Tabled · Answered
What guidance is the Welsh Government providing to local authorities regarding supporting veterans at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, particularly in relation to the local connection requirements?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
One of my key priorities is improving and increasing homelessness prevention services for everyone at risk of homelessness, including serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces.
Local authorities in Wales, must have regard to the Welsh Government Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. This detailed guidance, supports local authorities in delivering their statutory obligations, and includes information on the parameters of the local connection referral process. It also includes advice specific to supporting veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and for those veterans who are seeking access to social housing accommodation.
In addition to this, the National Housing Pathway for Ex-Service Personnel provides advice and guidance to those due to leave the Armed Forces as well as signposting information to veterans seeking housing support. The work to implement the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 will include a review and update of the National Pathway. This will involve working closely with Local Authorities and the Armed Forces sector to ensure it is consistently applied across Wales.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.