Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), 3 March 2026

422 contributions from 44 members. The official report.

1. Questions to the First Minister

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Good afternoon and welcome to today's Plenary meeting. The first item on our agenda this afternoon will be questions to the First Minister, and the first question is from Delyth Jewell.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

1. Will the First Minister make a statement on rail funding in South Wales East? OQ63926

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

The Welsh Labour Government is determined to take the pressure off our roads, in particular the M4, and developing the rail infrastructure in south-east Wales will give more people more choice on alternative transport options. After months of building a plan, which has now been endorsed by the UK Labour Government, we have secured a commitment for a historic £14 billion investment in Welsh railways, which puts South Wales East at the forefront of that transformation. Our immediate priorities include the delivery of six new, fully accessible stations in south-east Wales, improving access to jobs, education and services for people across the region.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

Thank you for that response.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

The recent railway funding announcement that you just referred to, First Minister, from Westminster did look, at first glance, like good news, until we realised that it represented no new money. It was smoke and mirrors instead—a rehash of projects already announced, and a vague backing of an idea for more in the future, maybe, but nothing guaranteed. And Jo Stevens, who acts more and more like Westminster's voice to Wales, rather than the other way around, made clear that devolving powers was not a priority. First Minister, Wales deserves clarity, not headlines that hide the truth. Would you confirm, please, whether Wales will receive the £14 billion contained in that announcement, or is that dependent on the budget choices of future UK Governments, which might, of course, have different priorities? How many of those billions are guaranteed at this time, right now, and why should we trust anything this UK Government says to us on rail when they have denied us the billions we're owed from HS2?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

If you aspire to be in Government, you should actually learn how it works. And what happens when it comes to long-term funding is that, actually, any Government can change those decisions. What that announcement was was £14 billion and the UK Labour Government saying, 'Yes, if we're in power, we will commit to this'. And it's an absolute shame that not one opposition party has welcomed this massive commitment that the UK Labour Government has made after years of underfunding by previous Tory UK Governments. This announcement recognises that Wales has been short-changed and makes up for that fact. We know that we didn't get proportionate funding from HS2, but this makes up for that. And I think you have to learn how the system works if you aspire to run the system.

Natasha Asghar (Conservative, South Wales East)

First Minister, you'll be very pleased to hear me saying that my Welsh Conservative colleagues and I welcome the additional funding, and I'm particularly pleased to see more stations in the pipeline for my patch. And I want to pay tribute to campaigners in Magor and Undy, who I've had the privilege of working alongside, in their efforts to get their plans for a walkway station off the ground. But let's be frank here, First Minister: this announcement, if you can even call it that, is nothing more than a pre-election stunt. The Prime Minister dragged himself to Wales to announce £445 million for seven new stations, but that's old news, because this was announced last summer, to be fair. The look on your face at the time said it all. You mentioned in your response to Delyth Jewell just now the £14 billion package of support to improve our rail network, although, as usual, there were no solid commitments, just warm words, and it raises more questions than answers for all of us. So, First Minister, this feels, for me, like nothing more than a case of reheating old commitments and making empty promises as part of a desperate publicity stunt in a last-ditch attempt to drum up some support for a failing Labour Government. Let's be honest, that was the case, wasn't it?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

There was a document that was issued that, actually, in terms of the £14 billion, demonstrated where that money would be spent, and it would be spent across the whole of Wales. That is a commitment that your previous Tory Government wouldn't make. And I think it's important to recognise that there is now a detailed plan. We learnt from Plaid this weekend that you love plans. You love a plan for a plan. It's a stunning proposal after you've had 27 years to develop your ideas. But what's important, I think, is to recognise, that, no, they wouldn't have given us the money without a detailed plan. Transport for Wales worked up that plan, got it agreed by the transport department, and now that will be rolled out. We're starting with that £445 million. We know about rail funding in Wales, we know about long-term rail funding in Wales, because we've delivered it. Where we're in control, we've delivered it—£1 billion to transform the metro, £800 million for brand-new trains. This is a proud legacy that we have in Wales.

Alun Davies (Labour, Blaenau Gwent)

Well, I welcome the announcement made by the transport Minister and the First Minister, and I think it demonstrates the power of negotiation, and I congratulate Ken Skates on his work. Do you know who else welcomes it? The people of Abertillery—the people of Abertillery, who want to see the investment in the Abertillery spur, reconnecting that town to the UK railway network. And can I say this, First Minister? The point you just made in answer to Natasha Asghar is a powerful point. When the Welsh Government is in control, we can make the investments. If that isn't an argument for the devolution of rail infrastructure, I don't know what is. But will you work with me and the local authority in Blaenau Gwent, First Minister, to ensure the Abertillery spur, the Ebbw valley line, receives the same level of investment in the future as the Rhymney line, running through my new constituency?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thanks very much, Alun. I must say, when I first saw the document 'Today, Tomorrow, Together', which has been built—and thank you, Ken, for your leadership on this, along with Transport for Wales—the first thing I looked up was, 'Is the Abertillery spur on there?', because I thought it would be a problem for you if it wasn't. I was delighted to see that that commitment is there. So, this is about the UK Government saying, 'Yes, if we're in power, we will give you that money, we will give you that long-term commitment.' If you're serious about building an economy, you have to do long-term commitments; you can't change rail funding halfway along. That's why there's no point in giving us money if you can't spend it in time. You need a long-term framework. You need to make sure you've got the people with the skills ready to deliver that. That is precisely what has happened with 'Today, Tomorrow, Together', the vision for Wales, which has been endorsed not just by the Welsh Labour Government here, but by the UK Labour Government in Westminster.

John Griffiths (Labour, Newport East)

I very much welcome that £14 billion commitment, First Minister. It's really important to help us achieve the integrated transport system that we need here in Wales. We've seen important steps forward, paving the way for a properly planned bus system and bus services in Wales, with active travel, and important advancements with rail as well, on the core Valleys lines, for example. Now this announcement gives us the opportunity to build upon that, and certainly it will be very welcome in Newport, with new stations at Somerton, at Llanwern, and also at Magor and Undy. Would you agree with me, First Minister, that one example of what you were referring to in terms of helping to deal with the congestion on the M4 would be that new Llanwern station? We have some 4,000 houses shortly to be in place at that Glan Llyn development on the old Llanwern site in Newport. Many of the people living there commute to Bristol and Cardiff for work. It's easy to understand how providing that station there at Llanwern will make a real impact on that congestion on the M4, which continues to be such a huge problem for Newport and the surrounding area.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Diolch yn fawr iawn, John. Just to be clear, we made an announcement at the end of last week that we'll be freezing rail fares from 1 March. I hope that will help to take the pressure off families in Wales at a difficult time. Also, of course, we were in Newport yesterday, where we confirmed that, if we are in Government post May, there will be a £2 cap on bus fares, alongside that commitment for free bus rides for the over-60s, and £1 bus fares for under-21s. But you're quite right, when it comes to taking the pressure off the M4, we're seeing Newport grow and grow and grow. What is important is that we provide the infrastructure to allow that growth to happen. That's why developing those stations will be critical and will take the pressure off the M4, which I know people are very keen to see.

Carolyn Thomas (Labour, North Wales)

2. Will the First Minister provide an update on the delivery of network north Wales? OQ63919

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

This Welsh Labour Government is delivering when it comes to transport in north Wales, with network north Wales already rolling out an ambitious plan for an integrated high-frequency public transport network. We've launched the new T51 bus link, improved stations, and secured UK Government backing for improved rail infrastructure and a new Deeside station. Next steps include rolling out pay-as-you-go ticketing, increasing service frequencies across the main line, and progressing the direct Wrexham to Liverpool link, unlocking jobs, access and greener travel for communities across north Wales.

Carolyn Thomas (Labour, North Wales)

Thank you for that response. I recently spoke at the Deeside business forum transport seminar, along with Transport for Wales and Flintshire council. The excitement was palpable there about what is being delivered now. I once was told that there are 400 businesses there, 9,000 jobs, and they struggle to get them there, to transport them there. The new parkway station will now be delivered at the end of next year. We've been campaigning on that for a long time—tick, that's been delivered. Getting freight off at Padeswood station and crossing improvements for increased services, which can then lead to electrification in the future, are happening—tick, another one over the line. These were parts of bids twice refused by the UK Conservative Government under levelling-up funding. It's happening now. Also welcomed is the integrated transport system with tap on, tap off, as you just mentioned, and the franchising of bus services, under the bus Bill. Again, the Welsh Conservatives voted against that. First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary told me that it's taken two years of working on this to get that £14 billion over the line, that had to be signed off by the Prime Minister, which is why he came here to Wales. Do you agree it took a change of UK Government to get rail investment over the line, along with continued investment in Transport for Wales from this Welsh Labour Government investing in bus improvements? Thank you.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thank you, Carolyn. You're quite right that, for years, north Wales put forward credible, well-developed ideas and bids, including for Deeside, Padeswood, and wider connectivity, and they were turned down. They were turned down time and time again by the previous UK Conservative Government. The ambition was there, the economic case was there. What was missing was the partner in Westminster willing to back north Wales, and what's changed is very simple: we now have two Labour Governments and that alignment is making a real difference.

We've committed, as a Government in Wales, £13 million to kick-start that network north Wales. Let's be clear, this doesn't happen by accident. It happens because we've consistently, and Ken in particular has consistently, made the case for north Wales. Now, we've got a Government that's prepared to listen—so, shovels in the ground, services increasing by 50 per cent on the main line, new stations coming forward, better connections for the 9,000 workers at Deeside industrial park and the 400 businesses that are based there. This is transformational stuff.

Llyr Gruffydd (Plaid Cymru, North Wales)

As much as we all welcome any additional investment in rail, the problem I and Professor Mark Barry and other people have with this, of course, is that the £14 billion figure that's being bandied around is a long-term headline figure, but it doesn't have a secured funding stream. There's no clear allocation in any current or, as far as we know, existing budget anywhere. Now, it's a familiar tactic straight out of the Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak playbook, because they promised electrification of the north Wales line. They promised that, and large numbers were trailed around, weren't they, for political effect, but there was no identified budget, there was no delivery schedule, and there was no ring-fenced commitment. And do you know what? It's exactly the same for this £14 billion. So, can you tell us how much is actually committed? Where in the Department for Transport or in the Treasury is the budget line for this money, because without that, then surely, yes, it can be an aspirational figure, but unfortunately, it just sounds like electioneering?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

We're not irresponsible as a Government. We wouldn't have put ourselves in that situation without being absolutely clear. This has been a programme that's been worked up over two years, and, let's be clear, no long-term project is guaranteed. HS2 is not guaranteed. Let's be absolutely clear that that is the nature of democracy. What we're saying is that if Labour remains in power, that commitment is absolutely there. That commitment is absolutely there in both areas. I think we should be very clear about this: this wasn't just the Department for Transport signing this off, it was this Treasury signing this off as well. You just can't bring yourself to accept good news when you get it.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

Communities across north Wales feel increasingly forgotten when it comes to investment in transport. We've not seen any major investment in road infrastructure in the Vale of Clwyd since the mid 1990s, and that was pre devolution, the last time we had a Conservative Government in charge of Wales, which actually delivered on road infrastructure and our transport systems. Maybe this could be forgiven if we'd seen investments in public transport instead, but we haven't. Wales has lost out on an estimated £4 billion in consequential funding because HS2 has been classified as an England and Wales project.

Last year, the Welsh Government announced £2.1 billion proposals for network north Wales, yet there's been no corresponding funding commitment from the UK Government to deliver them. Instead, Wales has received only around £400 million for all rail projects across this country combined. Of the seven new stations originally announced, only one is located in north Wales, and many of the supposed new stations have been in the pipeline for years. So, what specific steps is the Welsh Government taking to secure fair funding from the UK Government for rail infrastructure in north Wales, which has consistently lost out, to get the network north Wales project moving? Because we're not seeing any evidence of it so far within my constituency and on the north Wales line.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Gosh, this place is so full of negativity today. There's so much to celebrate when it comes to rail in Wales. This is something that we can be terribly proud of—the fact that in Wales we've got control. You've seen a transformation of the Valleys lines. We've seen an increase in passenger numbers of 10 per cent per year. What a difference that makes. That means we can take away revenue as more people are using those services. I think this is something we should celebrate. You're going to see the May timetable change in north Wales, with a 50 per cent increase in services on the north Wales main line. That will also simplify and add more resilience to the timetable, helping to improve performance for passengers, and that includes a new hourly service between Llandudno and Liverpool.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Questions now from the party leaders. Leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Ynys Môn)

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd. I know I speak on behalf of everyone in this Chamber when I express my deep concern about the escalating violence in the middle east, including its impact on Welsh citizens. I know, too, that we all condemn the brutality and the cruelty of the Iranian regime over many years. But the actions of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are reckless. They are dangerous. They aren't based on any democratic mandate. And there is clearly no plan for what happens next. And it was contrary to international law. So, I'll place on the record again Plaid Cymru's unequivocal view that international law has to be respected, and that it's a matter of deep concern to us that the UK has now been drawn into the conflict through permission being given for the US military to use RAF bases. The Prime Minister did not need to agree to this. Certainly, parliamentary approval should have been sought.

Llywydd, I'd like to focus my question on the Welsh citizens caught up in this, whether residents in the region, or they're on holiday, or indeed in transit. Military action has put them at risk. Knowing that some limited details have now been released in the last hour or so about repatriation flights, and noting the First Minister's written statement too, I'd like to press her some more and would be grateful if she could provide the fullest possible details this afternoon about the situation regarding Welsh citizens, how many are currently in the region wishing to travel back to the UK, and what are the next steps in ensuring that they are able to do so as quickly as possible.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I think the situation in the middle east is deeply concerning. I have set out the Government's position in a written statement issued today. There are many innocent civilians who are already being affected in all parts of this conflict area. There are many Welsh people who have been caught up in the situation—some working there, some on holiday. The safety of our loved ones is absolutely paramount, and that's where we've been focusing our attention.

We have Welsh Government officials located in the area, based in Dubai and Doha. All are accounted for and they're safe and well. They are co-ordinating with and helping out the UK Government's crisis management teams. They have been very clear that they're asking British citizens to register their presence in the area. There are an estimated 300,000 UK nationals in the region, and 102,000 have already registered. So, you can imagine that, at this point, it's very difficult to say precisely how many Welsh people are involved there.

I think it's really important also to make it clear that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is advising against all travel to Israel and Iran, and essential travel only to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Ynys Môn)

I'm grateful to the First Minister for that response. I'd ask that she continues to update Senedd Members so that we can pass on any relevant information to constituents of ours who I know have been contacting us, too.

Llywydd, turning to matters closer to home, the Chancellor's spring statement is yet another lost opportunity to inject fiscal fairness into the devolution settlement. It looks like the goodies the First Minister has been asking for won't be coming. In their absence, the so-called new chapter for Wales, which she promised yesterday, also known as more of the same, will rely on pledges either drawn up on the back of a fag packet or simply rehashed—ending homelessness, as an example.

The First Minister went big on delivery yesterday, but this Government has failed on homelessness by any measure. They promised to eradicate homelessness by this year. Now it's kicked back to 2034. Why should Labour be rewarded for failure in this forthcoming election?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I think it's quite extraordinary that you're bringing those issues to my attention. I must say that we're just getting the details of the Chancellor's statement, but it does look as if there will be over £0.5 billion of additional funding in Wales from 2026 to 2029. I find it quite startling that you talk to us about not being able to set out how we're going to pay for things. You launched on the weekend your first 100 days in office, and what we saw was a plan for a plan. In 88 points, we have 13 reviews and audits and 20 commissions. The time to do your homework is before you get anywhere near power. You've had 26 years to prepare for this; we expected more.

I must be clear that what we had yesterday was, in fact, something very different from Welsh Labour, being very practical in terms of what the offer was for the people of Wales. They are concerned with issues relating to the cost of living. And so we have been clear that we will help them with the cost of living by capping bus fares, by freezing rail fares, by making sure that we are providing 20,000 people with extra childcare facilities in Wales. All of those things are the things that matter to the people of Wales. We'll be looking for jobs for the future, working towards a very practical, energy-independent Wales, protecting families from unstable global markets—precisely the situation we're in today—good jobs, ensuring communities will benefit. And crucially as well, we'll introduce a lifelong retraining guarantee. If your job changes, you should not be left behind.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Ynys Môn)

I note that the First Minister avoided the question on homelessness and avoided responding on Labour's 27 years of failure. Yesterday, she held up a piece of cardboard with five sentences on it; Plaid have a detailed plan for our first 100 days, and that's just a precursor to the detailed manifesto still to come. I'll let the public decide which party is more serious about preparing to transform Wales's fortunes.

The First Minister's plans don't add up. Within hours of guaranteeing same-day mental health access, the promise fell apart, she couldn't explain what 'same-day support' actually looks like. She also wrongly claimed that her mental health strategy explains how to increase the workforce—it does nothing of the sort. Then, she promised £4 billion towards new hospitals without offering any detail at all about how they would be paid for, just like those empty promises on rail a couple of weeks ago. And on that, to borrow a phrase, show us the money. There is none, and nobody will fall for Labour's rail con. But I'll tell you this: yes, we do need new hospitals, but given the condition of the NHS estate after 27 years of Labour rule, perhaps the First Minister could tell us where this would leave the NHS maintenance backlog, which has ballooned to £1.2 billion on Labour's watch.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

We're very proud of the work that we've done during this Senedd term when it comes to homelessness; the fact that we've been able to pass an Act is absolutely crucial. We're very proud also that we've done the background work when it comes to mental health same-day care. It is written into the budget, it is there. You weren't even aware that it was there, but it is there. We're very proud of the fact that we have seen a sea change in terms of the support for mental health in this country. In fact, we're one of the only parts of the United Kingdom where there's a ring-fenced amount of money for the NHS. We're very clear in terms of what we want to achieve, and that was set out yesterday.

Let's talk about your plans for 100 days. You say that you don't expect to see a difference in NHS waiting lists in 100 days. Let me tell you what we've delivered in the past 100 days: the largest, most sustained reduction in overall waiting lists on record; the longest waiting lists falling sharply; fewer than 5,300 people waiting for two years for treatment—a drop of 1,600 in a month; we've hosted the international investment summit, where we landed £16 billion over the course of the year; we've announced £30 million for the Royal Alexandra Hospital in north Wales; we've confirmed that we've created 100,000 apprenticeships; we passed a £27 billion budget; we've taken action to support employers and businesses on our high streets; we've secured Wylfa and AI growth zones; we've secured a trailblazing deposit-return scheme; and we've frozen Welsh train fares. Those are just a fraction of the things that we've done in the past 100 days, and you're already making excuses for what you won't be doing in the first 100 days if you ever got a sniff of power.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Leader of the Conservatives, Darren Millar.

Darren Millar (Conservative, Clwyd West)

Llywydd, can I begin by associating myself with the comments made by the First Minister and the leader of Plaid Cymru in relation to the safety of British citizens from Wales who are in the middle east at this time? Our hearts go out to them and we pray for their safety and for their return to the UK, if that is their aim. I want to also send my very best wishes to the brave men and women of the British armed forces currently involved in the defensive operations in the middle east. We know that the Iranian regime was a dreadful regime, responsible for the repression of its own people, including the killing of thousands simply for demanding basic freedoms that we take for granted here in Wales each and every day. That regime poses a threat not only to regional stability, as we're seeing right now, but also to international security. Can I ask you, First Minister, will you join me in standing unequivocally with the people of Iran, including the brave women who've protested for their rights in recent years, and reaffirm the Welsh Government's support for NATO and for our alliance with the United States at a time of global instability?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I've expressed my deep concern, and my concern for the people living in Iran and in the rest of the region. There are innocent civilians who are going to be affected by what is happening in a war where it's unclear what the outcome is set to be. I have real fears that there's a danger that this could escalate beyond our control. Also, I have fears, and I think it's really important that we in Wales understand that we need to keep community cohesion together in our country. There is a potential and a danger that this could spill over into our own communities here, and I would urge everybody to work together for peace, reconciliation and, particularly in our country here, to make sure that we do not see the kind of tensions that I fear could develop if things continue.

Darren Millar (Conservative, Clwyd West)

I'm very sorry, First Minister, that you didn't express your direct support for the military alliance that we have with the United States, unlike the Canadian Prime Minister and the Australian Prime Minister. But I do want to wish everybody in the middle east who is fearful at this time for their safety all the very best. Of course, I know that British troops are doing what they can to secure their safety.

Turning to another matter, First Minister, there's been growing public concern about the funding of Labour Together, and there have been serious allegations about the actions of its leadership, including claims that money is being funnelled from the Cayman Islands and that money is being paid to a US lobbying firm to generate smears against journalists who've been investigating the funding of the organisation. One UK Labour Government Minister has already resigned in relation to this matter, but, of course, you're the leader of Welsh Labour, and a number of Labour constituencies in Wales have received funding from this discredited organisation.

Two weeks ago, I wrote to you regarding a £10,000 donation made by Labour Together to the Labour Party in Carmarthen, an area that you represent. Now, given the concerns that the public have, can you tell us whether you were aware of that donation at the time that it was made, what due diligence was undertaken and, in light of the public concerns that there are now, will you consider returning that money to protect confidence and uphold standards in Welsh public life?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I want to be clear that I was absolutely unaware of any financial contributions from Labour Together, and I've directed your questions to the general secretary of the Welsh Labour Party.

Darren Millar (Conservative, Clwyd West)

Well, I think people would expect you to answer as the leader of Welsh Labour as to what you think should be done with that money. Certainly, at least you could express an opinion as to whether you think that money should be handed back, given that many people regard it as dirty money.

Now, Labour Together is not the only organisation that has been bankrolling the Labour Party. Figures show that over a recent 10-month period last year, the Welsh Government provided at least £1.7 million in funding to trade unions in Wales under the guise of social partnership. What we also know is that the Electoral Commission data showed that in 2025 the Labour Party received millions from trade unions across the UK, including £1.5 million from Unite, £720,000 from GMB, £735,000 from Unison, £733,000 from the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, and £350,000 from Community. All of those organisations have received funding from the Welsh Labour Government.

Now, when the same organisations are major financial backers of the governing party and substantial receipts of public funds are flowing in their direction, it creates a clear perception of a closed financial loop. Taxpayers' money out, Labour Party donations in. So, will you set out very clearly what safeguards are in place to ensure that public money is not subsidising Labour Party donations?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I'm extremely proud of our relationship in Welsh Labour with the Labour movement. This is a proud, long-standing association. We stand with the Labour movement. But let's be clear, we are also very pleased to have introduced things like the Wales union learning fund. That is a way in to upskill people in the workplace. I'm not apologising for upskilling people. Very often, they have access to individuals that traditional mechanisms of upskilling can't get to. So, this is a really successful programme. It's a programme that I hope we'll be committed to in future. I hope everyone else will commit to it in future. If you're not going to, Darren, I think we'd like to know about it.FootnoteLink

Altaf Hussain (Conservative, South Wales West)

3. How does the Welsh Government ensure the NHS has enough medicines and medical supplies to treat patients? OQ63940

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

In Wales, people have access to free prescriptions. This is a political choice that we have made, and it's not available to patients in England. The Welsh Labour Government works with the UK Government, the NHS, manufacturers, wholesalers, prescribers and pharmacies to ensure that patients can access the medicines and medical treatment that they need.

Altaf Hussain (Conservative, South Wales West)

Thank you, First Minister. I welcome the news that an alternative supply of bone cement has been secured and the orthopaedic operations can continue, but with such a huge waiting list, even this short delay may have huge consequences. However, what is most concerning to me is the situation exists. How did it exist in the first place? How did the NHS become so reliant on just a single supplier, and why were stocks so low? The type of bone cement used in our health services has a three‑year shelf life, yet we only had days of supplies rather than months or years. First Minister, do you agree that this situation should never have occurred in the first place, and will you now order a review to ensure that the NHS is not at the mercy of a single supplier for our medicines and medical supplies?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thank you very much, Altaf. I know how upsetting it must be for patients and clinicians when they're told that operations need to be cancelled. Most shortages can be managed without interrupting people's care, so it is important that that steady flow of medicines and equipment is available.

In relation to the issue that you talk about, there was a global, unplanned shortage of bone cement, which was affecting a German supplier. That resulted in the UK NHS organisation pausing some planned orthopaedic operations and prioritising the trauma operations. Now, I'm very pleased to say that this situation now has been fixed, and we're in a situation where work has recommenced. Work recommenced yesterday, so we're back on track and the health Secretary has made it clear that he will publish the figure in terms of the impact that that's had on waiting lists.

Mabon ap Gwynfor (Plaid Cymru, Dwyfor Meirionnydd)

I attended a fascinating event organised by John Griffiths last week into rare diseases. Of course, many people suffering from rare diseases can't get some of the drugs required for their situation. Another event that I attended recently was a conference with some pharmaceutical companies who said that they don't do Wales because they produce low‑volume, high‑cost drugs that Wales can't get in, because it's too expensive and we don't have enough patients. So, what work are you, as a Government, doing with maybe the Scottish Government and the UK Government to ensure that patients in Wales who need those drugs access them, even though they're not currently available in Wales?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I am very proud, actually, that we introduced the new treatment fund in 2016, and that has improved access to new treatments that had been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group. On average, new medicines are made available through the new treatment fund just 16 days after they're approved. It is quite remarkable, and that is not a system that you see elsewhere in the United Kingdom. I think it is important for us to recognise that.

When it comes to expensive medicines, there is a system, a mechanism and an approach that is centralised across Wales, where there's a group of experts who determine whether that patient is eligible for a particularly expensive medicine. Politicians, I assure you, don't go anywhere near this stuff. It's got to be driven by the medics, by the clinicians and also by NICE guidance.

James Evans (Independent, Brecon and Radnorshire)

First Minister, I was contacted by a constituent who has to take statins on a daily basis to control their blood pressure. When they went to their pharmacy, they were told that there's going to be a national shortage of statins across the world due to raw material shortages. Obviously, people taking these drugs does reduce pressure on the wider emergency services, because if their blood pressure spikes, they're going to end up in accident and emergency departments or primary care. So, I'm just interested in what the Welsh Government is doing around this medication, to make sure that people have got these medications available to control their blood pressure.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thanks very much. I know there have been issues with some drugs, but I hadn't heard that there was an issue with statins, so I think we'll come back to you on that, because I'd like to know if that is the case. But the fact that it's not listed here suggests to me, in fact, that we don't have a problem in that area.

The key thing to remember is that, actually, in terms of procuring medicines, it's the UK Government that takes the lead on these issues.

Mick Antoniw (Labour, Pontypridd)

4. Will the First Minister provide a progress update on the north-west corridor project? OQ63907

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Getting around the city of Cardiff and surrounding areas easier is essential to promote job opportunities and to make life easier for the people who live there. I'm very pleased that from St David's Day on Sunday we've frozen rail fares, helping people with the cost-of-living challenges that so many are facing.

The north-west corridor project is an aspiration included in Cardiff Council's transport White Paper, 'Transport Vision to 2030', where Cardiff sets out their ambitious regeneration plans. The first phase will improve transport between central station and the bay and is an essential precursor to any future development of the north-west Cardiff corridor scheme.

Mick Antoniw (Labour, Pontypridd)

Thank you for that answer. Of course, the north-west corridor is due to extend in due course to Pontyclun, to Beddau, and, of course, the old railway line that exists and has been retained is there for that particular purpose. Of course, the key issue is going to be funding.

The area of Taff Ely, of course, is likely to experience, over the next decade, some 10,000 to 20,000 new homes, and it's an area where the only transport solution is actually the reopening of that particular railway line along the north-west corridor. Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff Council, of course, have been collaborating. There's been £1 million of investment, I've liaised closely with the Minister for finance and the Senedd Member for Cardiff West, Mark Drakeford, and it's very clear that the potential business case is one that is being well established.

In view of the fact that we now have the opportunity of exploring funding over the course of the next decade, can you assure us that the development of that north-west corridor, and the development of Taff Ely and the reopening of that railway line, is one that will be very much in the forefront of the next Labour Government?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thank you very much. The north-west corridor rail link is included within that Transport for Wales vision—'Today, Tomorrow, Together'. And you've heard that this is a £14 billion package, that it is transformational rail schemes, and the UK Government have committed to the delivery of that vision as soon as possible.

Now, our focus in delivering these schemes, first of all, is on those schemes that have received funding already. That includes the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, which is jointly funded by both Governments, and the upgrade of the Cardiff West junction, which was funded by the UK Government in the spending review last year. Obviously, you need to get those schemes—they're essential enablers of those bits of the scheme—in order to open up the areas that you are concerned with.

Andrew RT Davies (Conservative, South Wales Central)

As someone who supports the north-west corridor and visited the proposals many years ago, that would be a welcome addition to the jigsaw that is the transport options that are available to people in the north of my region.

But the south of my region, in the Vale of Glamorgan, has fared very poorly, (1) with increased train capacity on the Vale of Glamorgan line, which has been promised for at least the last five years and still hasn't materialised, and (2) the lack of forward planning to build a railway station in the village of St Athan. This is an area that successive local development plans have identified for large-scale housing development, and, indeed, all across that roadway that leads on to Bridgend, there are significant new developments that need that extra capacity on the Vale of Glamorgan line, and in particular the new station at St Athan. Can you tell me why the Welsh Government has a blind spot when it comes to investing in the Vale of Glamorgan and the Bridgend line?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

The region, let me assure you, is working on this issue. Cardiff capital region is making sure that they work together. We need to make sure that there are opportunities for everybody to get around our country. There are opportunities for expansion when it comes to building new homes. This opens up economic opportunities, but we don't want to see miles and miles of traffic on our roads. We have to make sure the infrastructure is there, and that's why that £14 billion over 15 years is absolutely crucial.

The key thing now is we can plan. We can plan for the future. You can't switch these things on overnight. You need to go through planning permission. You need to make sure that there are no environmental issues associated with it. You need to make sure you've got the skills available in the community to deliver the projects. So, that's why we're having that long-term plan, working with the Cardiff capital region, to ensure that there is a future for rail in that part of the world.

Russell George (Conservative, Montgomeryshire)

5. Will the First Minister make a statement on NHS waiting times in Powys? OQ63912

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I'm really pleased that the additional money we've had from the UK Labour Government has been invested in helping to bring waiting lists down for all of the people in Wales, including those in Powys. They are now down 92 per cent, since the peak, for the longest waiters.

Now, as a provider—and can I emphasise that word, a 'provider'—Powys Teaching Health Board had zero pathways waiting over 52 weeks for a first out-patient appointment, and zero referral-to-treatment pathways waiting for over 104 weeks at the end of December. But Powys health board commissions care for its residents from NHS providers in England and some other health boards in Wales, and some of those patients are waiting longer.

Russell George (Conservative, Montgomeryshire)

Thank you, First Minister. It would be helpful if the health Secretary made that same statement when he makes his statement about waiting times.

Last year, the Welsh Government provided £120 million of additional funding to the seven health boards across Wales to help tackle the waiting time backlog. Cardiff and the Vale Health Board in south Wales received £20 million. Powys health board received £115,000 only. That is less than 0.1 per cent of that total allocation. When I raised this with the health Secretary last week, he said that was because Powys health board doesn't provide the same breadth of services that other health boards provide. How should that in itself be rectified? And, of course, you will realise that many patients in Powys have their treatment in other counties, but the health board, Powys health board, still has to pay for that treatment to be provided. So, on that basis, can you explain your rationale as to why that £120 million was not allocated across Wales on a per-population basis? If it had been, Powys would have received £5 million, because Powys's population is 40 times greater than 0.1 per cent.

And can you now confirm if Powys health board will receive any additional funding to deal with its waiting time issues? And as you answer the question, can you bear in mind that Powys health board has told providers over the border to deliberately slow down treatment for Powys patients because it can't afford to pay for it?

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

So, the amount of money they receive is based on activity and, clearly, you're in a situation, in Powys, where there is no district general hospital. But there has been a lot of additional funding to Powys on top of the baseline money that it receives. And let me be clear that management information shows that, at the end of November, there were around 170 residents waiting for more than 104 weeks. Of these, around 130 residents were waiting for treatments by English NHS providers. And there is no suggestion that delays for Powys residents who've had their treatment commissioned from providers in England are related to lack of funds. I think this is really important, because, when you hear the numbers that they quote in England in terms of people waiting, you think that's actually, proportionately, quite a high number of the numbers that they quote in England.

Jane Dodds (Liberal Democrat, Mid and West Wales)

Good afternoon, First Minister. We're hearing real mixed messages in Powys—completely contradictory information is coming about treatments in English hospitals. I received a letter from the Wye Valley NHS Trust, which covers Hereford hospital. They are explicit about this policy, and they say, and I quote, 'this policy has been operationally and clinically challenging to deliver' and they, and I quote again, 'project this creating additional operating challenges and pressures from the early quarter 1 of 2026-27.' They further note that the gap between English and Welsh patients will only continue to widen as the move to meet NHS England's new target of 92 per cent of patients treated within 18 weeks becomes apparent. People in Powys, as Russell George has highlighted, are being treated unfairly. We don't have our own general hospital, so we do have to commission our treatment from other hospitals, and many of those are in England. So, will you ensure that Powys receives fair settlement from the £120 million allocated last year, and help residents who are currently living in pain and agony to get the treatment that they deserve? Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Well, board-approved changes to align planned care services commissioned from providers in England and Wales to NHS Wales recovery targets came into effect at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt and the Wye Valley trust from 1 July 2025. They are commissioned by the health boards to deliver. Shrewsbury and Telford NHS trust has not enacted the new commissioning intentions.

Laura Anne Jones (Reform UK, South Wales East)

6. What discussions is the Welsh Government having with local authorities on measures to address potholes? OQ63922

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

It's been non-stop rain in Wales almost since Christmas, and that, alongside the cold, creates more potholes. When I became First Minister, I took a direct instruction from the Welsh public to fill potholes. In fact, I've done a few personally myself. We have been improving our roads, and we've made that a priority. Now, this financial year, we provided £10 million to local government in Wales, unlocking over £70 million for additional maintenance improvements. We meet the councils monthly to review progress, and already around 200,000 potholes have been prevented and fixed across Wales. Of course, as the rain continues, it will create more potholes, but just imagine what it would have been like if we hadn't filled 200,000 potholes.

Laura Anne Jones (Reform UK, South Wales East)

First Minister, oh, the irony: I feel like I should almost declare an interest this morning as someone who spent the morning in a garage in Monmouth, ironically from a tyre blowout from a pothole. Roads in Wales seem to have more holes than your Government's transport strategy. The cost to residents in my region and across Wales is massive—damaged tyres, broken suspensions, constant repairs—and yet people are paying more council tax for roads getting worse.

First Minister, across the UK, a number of councils are using the latest modern repair technology, such as the JCB Pothole Pro, which can fix potholes the first time, saving money in the long term. You have thrown money at councils recently in regard to potholes, which is great, but without any thought behind it. An investment in this latest technology for councils across Wales would be a much more efficient approach, cutting costs in the long run. So, will you commit to jointly working with local authorities to properly invest in this technology, like the JCB Pothole Pro, which will save our councils and hard-working taxpayers money? Diolch.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thanks very much. It sounds like the wheels are coming off Reform already. I'm very excited about the JCB Pothole Pro; in fact, I have driven one, and it was very great to see the investment that Flintshire council has made in buying this new technology. It is actually making a significant difference to them. On top of that, the Welsh Government's stone mastic asphalt or Dragon mix is also available to local authorities to use on their roads, and that is a specially developed material that can withstand temperature extremes and increase the durability of roads. I know way too much about potholes.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

7. How does the Welsh Government work to ensure that its priorities match those of the people of Wales? OQ63910

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

The people of Wales were clear about their priorities in the last Senedd election when they elected us and supported our manifesto, and the vast majority of the programme for government, based on that manifesto, will be delivered by the end of this term.

When I became First Minister, the first thing I did was to listen again to the people of Wales about the things that matter most to them and to make it my priority to deliver for them. They told me they want the fundamental things that make Wales better and fairer: more homes, better transport, filling potholes, more jobs and better health. That's what this Welsh Labour Government is delivering.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

Well, people, First Minister, will have told you that the NHS was absolutely central to the things that they believed to be important. Many constituents that I know will be concerned by the £1 billion—and growing—maintenance backlog that exists within our NHS. Look, we are in our second week in a new £4 million Chamber. It's built to accommodate £120 million plans for 36 more Senedd Members. That is where Labour and Plaid Cymru chose to spend money in this Senedd term—not on fixing that maintenance backlog in our NHS, but instead on itself. That speaks to the priorities both of Plaid Cymru and the Labour Party, two parties that are too interested in navel gazing, too interested in more politicians, too interested in themselves, and less interested in the priorities of the people of Wales, like fixing our NHS.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

We heard yesterday what the chief concerns are of the people of Wales: they are concerned about the cost of living and they're concerned about the NHS, and that's why those were two key commitments that we made clear yesterday, when we announced our initiatives post May. So, we've said we've frozen rail fares already. We're going support people to insulate and upgrade their homes, and we're going to have a realistic offer on childcare—20,000 new childcare places over the next Senedd term—unlike the unrealistic proposals that others are proposing.

Now, when it comes to the NHS, let's be clear: we were starved of capital by the last UK Government. Now we're in a situation where we made a clear announcement yesterday that, if we are re-elected to lead here in May, we will build a new hospital in Cardiff at the University Hospital of Wales. There will be a complete overhaul of the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, and a new hospital in west Wales. These are things that I think should be done, and we haven't been able to do them until now, because your UK Tory Government starved us of the funds.

Jenny Rathbone (Labour, Cardiff Central)

8. What steps is Welsh Government taking to ensure that all women in Wales have easy access to abortion services? OQ63941

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

The decision to have an abortion is a traumatic one for any woman, so it's important that we provide abortion services sensitively and efficiently. Improvements to abortion services have been made, with the introduction of early medical abortion at home. We recognise access to surgical abortion is not where it should be. The women's health network is working with clinicians and stakeholders to develop a sustainable plan for later stage abortion that ensures women across Wales can access safe and timely abortion care when their need goes beyond routine services.

Jenny Rathbone (Labour, Cardiff Central)

Thank you, First Minister. Pills in the post was one of the few positives from COVID, but women who don't realise they're pregnant discover too late to qualify. So, most people who require a surgical abortion at the moment are being forced to travel to England, because obstetricians and gynaecologists in far too many Welsh health boards have turned their back on women's right to choose. And I pay tribute to Sarah Murphy, who's joining us remotely today, because I know she has been fighting to rectify that.

So, this situation of people having to travel to England includes young women who've been trafficked and become pregnant in horrendous circumstances, and the National Youth Advocacy Service is having to use its charitable funds to pay for their travel costs to Birmingham, London, Exeter or Liverpool and an overnight stay. As Scotland and Northern Ireland are both planning to expand their abortion provision up to 24 weeks gestation so that none of their women are forced to go to England, it leaves Wales, at the moment, as a serious outlier. So, I'm glad to hear that something's being done about it, but it's something that needs to be rectified as soon as we possibly can.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

We obviously sympathise with women who've needed to travel outside of Wales for the difficulties they've experienced and for the difficulty they've experienced in accessing the care they need. We are very keen for Wales to be able to access health services locally, where possible. Only three health boards currently offer surgical abortion services, with the latest gestation for which they can be offered at 14 weeks. In all other health boards, and for later gestations, women are referred to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, and the BPAS clinic in Cardiff is currently unable to undertake surgical abortions due to the availability of surgeons, and that's a UK issue.

I'm very pleased to say that, last week, the Welsh Government and the women's health network convened a workshop to bring together all health boards to facilitate a focused discussion on abortion services in Wales, and that highlighted to all health boards the need for improvements, and provided an opportunity for all to discuss potential approaches.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

I thank the First Minister.

2. Questions to the Counsel General and Minister for Delivery

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

The next item will be the questions to the Counsel General and Minister for Delivery. The first question is from Lindsay Whittle.

Lindsay Whittle (Plaid Cymru, Caerphilly)

1. What legal advice has the Counsel General provided to the Welsh Government regarding the enforcement powers available to local authorities to ensure social landlords do not leave void properties empty while people remain on waiting lists, following the passing of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill? OQ63913

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

We are committed to tackling void properties. Local authorities hold a suite of comprehensive enforcement powers and are supported by a range of Welsh Government grants to bring empty properties back into beneficial use. The Welsh Government issues the empty properties handbook, outlining key legal tools available to address the issue.

Lindsay Whittle (Plaid Cymru, Caerphilly)

I thank the Counsel General for that response, but the legal reality on the ground in my constituency remains one of deep frustration. The homelessness and social housing allocations Bill was marketed to the public as a radical shift in how we house our most vulnerable. It creates a new statutory duty for social landlords to co-operate with local authorities, but, as we know, a duty is only as strong as its enforcement. And that works both ways. In Caerphilly, we are seeing the human cost of voids sitting empty for nine months or more.

If a social landlord—and I include councils in this—consistently fails to turn around the properties, the co-operation promised in the Bill becomes a hollow gesture. Therefore, can the Counsel General please clarify exactly what legal teeth are provided to the Welsh Government to confirm that the Welsh Government has the powers to step in to issue financial penalties or mandate the immediate release of these properties when landlords, including councils, fail to meet reasonable turnaround targets, please?

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Diolch, Lindsay, for the question. Obviously, the Bill is not in force yet. We await its sealing very soon now, and I'm really delighted that the Bill went through.

I'm sure you know that the Bill is aimed at ensuring that homelessness in Wales is rare, brief and not repeated, and, obviously, increasing housing supply is a key dependency in achieving this aim, and it makes it all the more important that empty properties are swiftly brought back into use.

As I'm sure you know, the Bill does not contain provisions directly relevant to void properties, but, as you've just pointed out, it strengthens joint working between local housing authorities and registered social landlords on allocations, including provisions that enable the local authority to request that a social landlord accommodate a homeless person owed the final housing duty as part of prioritising those in greatest need. We think that will be a huge incentive to turn over voids, as they're called. We all use this jargon, don't we? A void, by the way, is an empty property capable of being—I know you know that, but for other people listening to us, it's a jargon term, isn't it—an empty property that's capable of being used as a home.

We are firmly committed to tackling empty homes. We have enforcement powers that local authorities have, and we support local authorities with grants, loans and national programmes that help bring residential empty properties back into beneficial use. That's in the private sector, as well as in the public sector. We have the empty homes action plan, and I've just referenced the Welsh Government's handbook on empty properties, which has a load of practical guidance on identifying, assessing and restoring empty residential properties. So, there is a range of things that we can do.

We also have a programme that is part of the 20,000 social homes for rent programme. And, again, I'm sorry for the jargon, but it's called the TACP programme—the transitional accommodation capital programme. And where a void would have otherwise been sold, because the amount of money that it would have taken to bring that void back into beneficial use was more than the social landlord thought it could expend, and it would otherwise, therefore, have sold that property out of social housing, we've allowed social landlords to access TACP funding to bring that home back into use. And we've been very careful not to have double counting in that. So, it's for homes that have come out of the social register because they were too expensive to bring back into use, and I'm pleased to say that we're almost at the 1,000 mark of those also brought back into use.

So, we have been working on this for a long time. I think there are still too many properties that are empty; it's quite hard to get a definitive number because of the turnover. But I couldn't agree with you more, Lindsay, that this is something we have to tackle, and tackle urgently.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

2. How will the Counsel General respond to the Law Society's finding that the number of legal deserts in Wales is growing? OQ63901

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Diolch, Rhys. Legal aid deserts are a critical challenge across Wales. Whilst legal aid is reserved to the UK Government, I continue to take every opportunity to highlight the fragility of the sector in Wales. Our single advice fund offers some support, but obviously can't replace the need for a properly funded legal aid system.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

Thank you very much, Counsel General. The word 'crisis' is used very often, but I do genuinely believe that access to justice is approaching the level of crisis. I know that you agree with that; I remember you saying here, on the floor of the Chamber, that this is perhaps something that you are looking forward to contributing to after you leave this place. Because it is a major problem.

Delays in courts will grow 40 per cent in the next six years. Sixty per cent of people are representing themselves now in family law. Almost half of our police stations do not have a solicitor available at all times. And tenants are having to defend themselves because of a lack of solicitors working in housing law. Already, London has 40 solicitors for every 10,000 residents. That goes down to 12 in Cardiff, and even down to 1.9 in Gwynedd. This situation will only deteriorate, Counsel General, because only fewer than 8 per cent of law companies in rural Wales are training people to be solicitors.

Now, I've raised time and time again in this place a simple solution, I believe, to this problem, and that is to have legal apprenticeships, so that people, through apprenticeships, could become solicitors. It happens in England. Why is it not happening in Wales? Thank you.

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Diolch, Rhys. I completely agree with you, as you know, about the legal deserts across Wales. I really welcome the Law Society's report that they issued on 2 February—you quoted some of the stats in it there. It is a matter of huge concern to us that we have an increasing issue with the commercial viability of high-street solicitors outside of the main population centres. There is a whole range of reasons for that. We do have the single advice fund, but that is no substitute at all for proper legal aid. The UK Government did make a small step in the right direction, but I am very, very keen that they continue to do that. So, I was very pleased to see the Law Society's report, which we absolutely welcome. I have myself raised this issue in every single inter-ministerial group I'm in until people are sick of hearing me saying it. But the truth is, in a democracy, if you don't have access to law, you don't really have a democracy, because people are not equal in front of the law if they can't get proper legal advice. It's just a complete truism that that's the case. So, I couldn't agree with you more.

I would like very much to see the apprenticeship programme extended. We do do a whole series of other apprenticeships. We've had this conversation a number of times. I'm pleased to see that some law firms have taken some of that up—not as many as I'd like. So, we'd like to see some more take-up of the lower level, below level 7 apprentices. I think that would actually help if we could get law firms to do that. I've been really pushing that very hard myself. We have been watching very carefully the level 7 apprenticeship programme in England, and I think that, very soon, there'll be an evaluation of that. I'm sure the next Welsh Government will want to look very carefully at whether that is something that can happen. My only caveat is that it has genuinely got to go to firms that are struggling, and not be a way for firms that are already pretty successful to find a different route to fund trainees and not use their own money. But otherwise, as long as we can find a way to stop that happening, I completely agree with you.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Questions now from the party spokespeople. Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Adam Price.

Adam Price (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

Counsel General, I'd like to ask you a question today in your role as Minister for Delivery. In its new pledge document, Welsh Labour talks about expanding childcare, growing our national forest, ending homelessness and raising school standards. But by repeating these pledges, you are highlighting your own failure to deliver. The Flying Start expansion promised this term remains incomplete. Tree planting is well below the trajectory required for the 2030 target. Your Government published a high-level action plan to end homelessness by 2026, and yet, as of December last year, 10,605 people, including nearly 2,300 children, were in temporary accommodation. And on school standards, the Government set an explicit Programme for International Student Assessment target of 500 points, then quietly dropped it before Wales recorded its lowest ever scores. The ambitions you announced yesterday, they weren't new, they're old promises you have failed to keep. So, do you accept, Minister, that under Labour, Wales has had a delivery problem?

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Of course, I don't accept that, Adam. A nice try, I would say. We have an extensive programme for government based on our manifesto. We have delivered the vast majority of the programme for government. Of course, there's more to do. No government can solve everything in a single year or even in multi years. These problems are really entrenched in our society.

If you just take the homelessness figures, for example. The figures you quote sound terrible, I have to say, but a very large number of the people in temporary accommodation are in temporary accommodation that's actually very good accommodation, and I would be very pleased to live in it myself. I've visited quite a lot of it. Some of them are in terrible accommodation, and I absolutely agree we need to get those out as soon as possible, and we absolutely have a very high turnover of people out of the worst kinds of temporary accommodation. The figure is an interesting one, because it's a figure that doesn't change very much as a headline. But if you actually look at the revolution inside the figures, it is actually interesting how many people move out of temporary accommodation and also the number of people moving in.

What we haven't been able to do, and I very much hope the next Welsh Government is able to do it, is get upstream of the people who are becoming homeless in Wales and that is still far too high. So, the turnover is very high; the system is working very well in my view, but we still have far too many people becoming homeless. One of the points of the homelessness and social allocation Bill is to get upstream and to try and keep people in their home longer. We have a number of initiatives that have been put in place to try and do that, to make sure that people can stay there. The home stay initiative is one, such that it was so popular the day we brought it in that we had problems with the website. People do need help to stay in their own home and not become homeless. And then, obviously, our aim is that once they are homeless, it's rare, brief and unrepeated, and that we build enough houses to get people into decent accommodation. But those figures are interesting, because once you get underneath them, you see a very different picture of what the system looks like.

Adam Price (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

But the fact that you've moved the target of ending homelessness eight years, from 2026 to 2034, I think, speaks volumes. Now, your closest counterpart at Westminster, Darren Jones, has recently argued that when governments repeatedly miss milestones it's not coincidence, it's the machinery that is failing. And in Wales, a pattern has emerged, hasn't it? Eight years after Holtham proposed a social care levy we still have no durable funding solution. Five years after the Burns commission, congestion at Brynglas remains unresolved. The £100 million Tech Valleys initiative, announced in 2017, has committed only £43 million nine years later. And, as for the 100,000 apprenticeships target, well, Medr in its own figures pointed out that if you use the more rigorous figure, it isn't true that the target has been met, and the target itself was reduced from 125,000 in the programme for government. Wales is a smaller administration than Whitehall. We should be more nimble. Why is that patently not the case?

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Well, as I say, Adam, we obviously don't agree here. I would really hate to look at the world through your eyes. It's always so pessimistic and gloomy, and we're much more optimistic here on these benches. We have achieved an enormous amount in the last five years. Our programme for government shows that. Of course, we haven't done everything to solve every problem in society, I absolutely agree with that, and, of course, as the famous politician said, 'Events, dear boy' also get in the way. We've had a whole series of things to deal with: the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, a whole series of other things to deal with as well.

In terms of the apprenticeship numbers, that's an interesting one. Our programme for government commitment is about apprenticeship starts. You're quoting two figures there: the apprenticeship starts and the apprentices that are still in post eight weeks later. We quote both of them, actually, so it's more transparent than not. And the programme for government talks about apprenticeship starts, so we haven't moved the goalposts. We have dropped the figure, though. We had to do that, because of the way that we knew it was happening.

I'm not ever in favour of dropping targets. We've had this conversation a lot. I think a target is not—. It's generally seen by opposition parties as a stick to beat the governing party with, but, actually, in my world, a target is a way of driving the system to achieve more. So, I'm always very reluctant to drop targets because I think what you should do is try and push the system towards the target. But, in this instance, as a result of a number of conversations with a Minister who's in the Chamber, we decided that it was more appropriate to drop the target to 100,000. But, as I say, I don't accept at all that we've moved the goalposts in that regard.

Adam Price (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

You have served across portfolios and now as Minister for Delivery, and as this may be your last question session in office, I was wondering if you would reflect on what you've learned and what you think your successors in Government, whoever they are, should do differently. Five years ago, the Welsh Government floated a national school of government to improve delivery. The UK Government is now proceeding with one. Why are we so slow to move from idea to action, even when it comes to creating institutions designed to accelerate delivery? What's holding us back? Is it resources? Is it culture? Is it a lack of political urgency? Looking ahead, Minister, whatever the political colour of the next Government, what must be transformed in the way Welsh Government works to ensure that change isn't a slogan but a system that delivers for the people of Wales?

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

I think it is my last ever question time, actually, which is rather sad. Although I'm quite looking forward to retirement, there are lots of things I'll miss, and one of those things is the real privilege of standing in this Chamber and talking to Senedd Member and the people of Wales. I will genuinely miss it, actually, because it is a real privilege to be able to do this.

What I will say—it will sound trite—is that being in Government is hard. It can be quite exhausting. It's a real privilege. You get a real chance to be able to do some things, and I have done a few things in Government that I'm personally very proud of, and I'm very proud of what the Government has done. There is always more that you can do, and sometimes it's frustrating to be in Government because you'd like to be able to nip at the heels, really, when you can't do that. But, overall, I would say it has been an enormous privilege to be in a position to actually change some of the things that we've changed.

You're sitting next to Siân Gwenllian—I hope you don't mind my mentioning you, Siân, since it is my last time doing OQs—and, during the co-operation agreement, you and I did an enormous number of things around community energy, around homelessness and housing, and so on. There was much more to do, but we met some amazing people along the way, particularly people experiencing homelessness who shared their stories with us. I particularly remember—I'm not going to remember the name of the place now—a community energy project that we went to in your patch, I think it was—

Siân Gwenllian (Plaid Cymru, Arfon)

Abergwyngregyn.

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

There we are—with the most incredible waterfall and the hydroelectric one, wasn't it? It was the most amazing example of community energy. So, it shows what's possible. But what you also learn in Government is that it's hard, and sometimes it isn't possible, and you do have to be pragmatic about it. And I've heard you yourself, Adam, say that sometimes half a loaf is better than none. So, sometimes we settle for that.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

The Welsh Conservative spokesperson, Tom Giffard.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. Can the delivery Minister update the Senedd on the delivery of the Welsh Government's homelessness strategy, 'Ending Homelessness in Wales' 2021-26, as part of its programme for government? It's now 2026. Has it worked? Have we ended homelessness?

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Well, one of the problems with preparing your questions in advance is when I've already discussed it at great length with the party behind me.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

I heard it. You didn't answer Adam Price either.

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

I'm very proud of what we've done in housing and homelessness in Wales. We did it against a programme of austerity from the UK Government that starved us of funding. We were not able to build the houses that we would have liked to have built, although we built quite a few, and far more than were ever built in England during that period. In fact, in the period in question, 750,000 social homes came off the register in England whilst we built, over the same 10-year period, 40,000. I'm very proud of that record.

As I just explained on this side, what we haven't been able to do is stem the number of people becoming homeless in Wales. We have an enormous turnover of people through the system, but we still have an enormous number of people presenting as homeless on a monthly basis. Frankly, that's the spin-out from the appalling Conservative programme of economic disaster that we saw with a number of Governments, supported by the benches opposite. So, I'll take no lessons from anyone opposite—the frank hypocrisy of always wanting us to spend more money whilst giving us less and less.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

You made a promise in 2021, under a UK Conservative Government, to have ended homelessness by 2026. It is 2026. You have not ended homelessness. Yesterday, the First Minister, in her campaign launch for the forthcoming Senedd election, promised a new pledge to end homelessness by 2034 in Wales. It sounds familiar. So, if you didn't deliver it last time, why should anyone in Wales believe that you'll deliver it now?

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Because we made enormous strides, despite the fact that the Tory Government starved us of funds, and now we have a Government that invests in public services and understands the value of investment, so we're able to invest more to do it. In the meantime, we have kept most people in Wales off the streets and in accommodation, which is more than can be said for any Government that you've ever supported.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

It's the latest in a long line of Welsh Government pledges and promises before elections that end up ultimately not being delivered by a Welsh Labour Government. Its last manifesto not only included that pledge on ending homelessness but also reforming council tax—not delivered; 125,000 apprenticeships—scaled down; 20,000 social homes to be built—target delayed. And previous manifestos have the same story. Eradicating child poverty was promised—not delivered; bringing Welsh wages in line with UK averages—not delivered. An M4 relief road was promised. Do you remember that? One hundred and fifty million pounds was spent, not an inch of road was built. In fact, you've made promises on educational outcomes, tackling NHS waiting lists, improving the Welsh economy, only to have delivered the worst educational outcomes anywhere in the UK, the longest NHS waiting lists anywhere in the UK, and the weakest economy. You’re shaking your head, Counsel General; it’s all true. Is it not the case, as we close, mercifully, the chapter on 27 failed years of a Welsh Labour Government, that the reason the polls say what they do about this Welsh Labour Government is because it consistently makes promises it fails to deliver and the public can see right through it?

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

I'll tell you what the public can see right through, Tom, and that's the Conservatives, because as you well know, at the last election, you had no councils and no MPs in Wales, and that tells you everything about what the Welsh public thinks they can trust. We have a very proud record of delivering in government, despite the fact that we were absolutely savaged by successive Conservative Governments who have no understanding of the value of public service, no understanding of the value of investment and no basic economic understanding. What on earth you see when you look out of your eyes, I do not know, but what I see is a country that's withstood 14 years of Conservative austerity, politically imposed Conservative austerity, and is now finally seeing the results of investment with the fastest falling waiting lists we've ever seen, with the biggest house building programme we've ever seen, and with the expansion of childcare right across Wales. That's what I see, and I'm very proud of it.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

3. What discussions has the Counsel General had with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care regarding the recommendation of the family drug and alcohol courts working group that such courts should not be progressed in isolation? OQ63902

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

Diolch, Rhys. I'm actually really pleased that this is my last ever question, and so it's a great question to have as my last ever question. The Minister for Children and Social Care and I have regular updates about progress following the recommendations. The next steps will be informed by the January workshops, which were facilitated by the Centre for Justice Innovation in each local family justice board area, and learning from the national family justice event, which is on 11 March, so just after this session.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

Diolch yn fawr, Cwnsler Cyffredinol. Can I reiterate what Adam Price said? I've enjoyed our Counsel General sessions. We haven't always agreed, but I've always respected where you've come from and you've always tried to do what's best in your eyes for the people of Wales. The same is true of your time as the housing Minister. I'm looking forward to the Building Safety (Wales) Bill today, something I questioned you a lot about in your previous role. Diolch yn fawr, Cwnsler Cyffredinol.

I was disappointed, reading Dawn Bowden's letter, that the drug and alcohol court will not be moving on by itself. It was a clear recommendation from the Lord Thomas commission. We had a very positive assessment by CASCADE and Cardiff University. The judges are in favour of it. The judges said how successful it was. Over half of the children go back to their families. And it's been successful in London since 2008, and more recently in Liverpool. I'm just concerned, Cwnsler Cyffredinol, that Wales and the families of Wales are being left behind again. Diolch yn fawr.

Julie James (Labour, Swansea West)

I don't think we need to be quite as pessimistic as that. I think there's a broad acceptance that the court was successful. The issue is, as I've said on a number of occasions, whether it could be scaled up across Wales in a realistic way. My understanding is that, at the event next week, working group members will be looking at progressing it, but not in isolation. So, they're going to be progressing it within the wider system, which includes the multi-agency practice framework, the pathfinder approach in private law, and the broader landscape of early intervention and prevention, edge-of-care services, and post-court support services—that’s actually hard to say—post-court support services.

The family justice network considered the paper at their 22 September meeting and proposed two task and finish groups. I think you know that already, Rhys. They're going to report in the first year of the next Senedd term to map and assess the existing edge-of-care service provision and opportunities for development, and consider the system and judicial design issues needed to support a public law problem-solving approach. So, I'm very pleased to say that I don't think it will stop. I do think there is an issue about a wider problem-solving approach in the courts more generally, and I think this is a really good model for it, but it probably couldn't be scaled up right across Wales. So, it is about trying to make sure that professionals seamlessly act together to get that problem-solving approach, because it is, I absolutely agree with you, completely beneficial to the families involved.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Thank you, Counsel General.

3. Business Statement and Announcement

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

The next item is the business statement and announcement, and I call on the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip to make that statement—Jane Hutt.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you, Llywydd. There is one change to this week's Plenary business. The debate on the National Health Service (Direct Payments) (Wales) Regulations 2026 has been postponed until 24 March. Business for the next three weeks is shown in the business statement, which is available to Members electronically.

Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

Trefnydd, I wish to raise an urgent matter regarding correspondence I sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care over a month ago, to which I am yet to receive a response. I wrote on behalf of two parents who tragically lost their baby over the Christmas period, who are now facing significant delays in receiving answers because of the severe shortage of paediatric and perinatal pathology capacity in Wales. With only one specialist covering south Wales and around 150 cases, delays are unfortunately inevitable. Given the coroner's involvement, this means that the health board investigations cannot begin until the postmortem is complete. While inquests are not devolved, pathology services are. I have asked the Cabinet Secretary what action is being taken to address the shortage, what interim measures are in place to support families facing delays, what the current waiting times are, and who is accountable for ensuring timely access to these essential services. With Senedd dissolution only weeks away, will the Trefnydd raise this as a matter of priority with the Cabinet Secretary and ensure that a substantive response is provided before the end of the Senedd term?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Heledd Fychan, and thank you for bringing to the attention of the business statement this very important issue. I have asked the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, as I do, and I will ask him to follow this up with a response in correspondence, but also to actually deal with these points that you make. I think what is very important is what is the action, short and long term, in terms of the shortage in pathology specialist services, and those interim measures supporting families, and current waiting times and who is accountable, as you said, for those needs. So, thank you for raising that on behalf of the particular family that you raised and drawn to our attention today. I will follow it up.

Joel James (Conservative, South Wales Central)

Trefnydd, today marks World Hearing Day, an important opportunity to reflect on the access to hearing care in an ageing society and on the awareness, prevention, early care and policy action needed to ensure people of all ages can maintain good hearing health. As you know, hearing loss already affects nearly 600,000 adults in Wales, and I have to declare an interest—as you know, I'm one of them—and it's a figure that will invariably rise as our population grows older. For many people, hearing loss is not simply an inconvenience; it can lead to isolation, loneliness, reduced independence and declining mental health. Left untreated, it is also associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.

Timely access to assessment and treatment is therefore not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is essential preventative healthcare, something that the Welsh Government fully subscribes to. The recent publication of the future approach for audiology framework is a welcome step. It recognises the need to modernise services and to deliver care closer to home, within community settings, rather than relying solely on hospital-based provision. However, the framework currently excludes the community audiology sector, despite the fact that around 94 per cent—

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

You need to ask a question, please, Joel.

Joel James (Conservative, South Wales Central)

No worries, Dirprwy Lywydd. Despite the fact that 94 per cent of hearing loss cases are age-related and can be managed safely from a high-street setting. With this in mind, can I ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on how the Welsh Government intends to address rising waiting times, and whether existing high-street audiology provision can be better integrated into NHS pathways and in a new framework to ensure patients receive the accessible community-based care that they need? Thank you.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much. Diolch yn fawr, Joel James, and thank you for your very important question. You draw attention to the adverse impact that hearing loss can have. It disables people, I know, in terms of that impairment, which of course can happen to all generations, and indeed particularly to those in an ageing society, those who are older and need that access to good primary and community assessment, which is crucial at the starting point, and then on many occasions specialist services as well. You have raised an issue, and I know that although we have only a few weeks left of this administration, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care will want to respond to your question. I will raise it with him, but also you will have an opportunity to raise it with him again in what will be his last oral Senedd questions.

Jenny Rathbone (Labour, Cardiff Central)

Yesterday, I visited Cwmffrwdoer Primary School in Torfaen, where I was presented with this excellent PGI Welsh leek grown by the pupils. I read online that 10,000 tonnes of leeks are now being grown in Wales, and it is to be celebrated that this is a significant increase on the 1,500 tonnes being produced in 2022 when I asked Lesley Griffiths. As leeks are such an important symbol of our history and culture, as well as being delicious, in the week of Dydd Gŵyl Dewi, could we have a statement from the Deputy First Minister, who I am glad to say is in the Chamber, on the number of Welsh leeks needed to ensure that every pupil gets to taste Welsh leeks, not just the pupils of Ysgol Cwmffrwdoer, and have them as a regular part of their school food menus?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Jenny Rathbone. I think I can even smell that wonderful leek, grown by those children in that school in Torfaen. Just think how proud they must have been of growing it and giving it to you as a very important visitor to them. This is interesting because yesterday we were having a discussion and scrutiny in the Equality and Social Justice Committee about food, nutrition and the curriculum. I said, of course, that this is very cross-Government, and the Deputy First Minister was not there, but I was. But I said that the Cabinet Secretary for Education could be there, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services could be there, and the Minister for mental health. It is a cross-Government issue.

But you have drawn attention to the leek. I just wanted to say that Welsh leeks are one of the 24 Welsh products that are awarded the geographical indication status. It is supplied, as colleagues will know, through Castell Howell. It is listed in several major Welsh retailers. Welsh consumers in particular, I understand, show a clear preference for the product's provenance, plus its specific characteristics of size, diameter and abundance of green flag, which provides the consumer with that strong, fresh flavour and starchy, earthy, sweet and buttery aroma. It’s got a huge reputation across the world. Of course, the horticultural cluster is bringing Welsh growers and producers together to look at these connections. I know a lot of very tasty cawl will be made over this St David's season.

Luke Fletcher (Plaid Cymru, South Wales West)

I'd like to request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for health in relation to the current dispute in Cwm Taf Morgannwg. Last week, in response to my question, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said that NHS Wales has a strong social partnership structure and that both parties need to come together to find a solution. But it's important to set out clearly that the health board is not entering this dispute in the spirit of good faith. Prior to serving notice of strike action, Unite put forward an offer to maintain a level of service for the health board during the period of industrial action. That offer was declined. Before notice was served, Unite also met with Cwm Taf in an effort to resolve the issue constructively. We have been told that there was no meaningful attempt from the health board to reach a solution. At the same meeting, Cwm Taf confirmed that this is not a question of finances, but that the funding is available. Taken together, this paints a deeply concerning picture. It suggests a health board unwilling to engage, deflecting responsibility and allowing the dispute to escalate unnecessarily, therefore an attempt to bully workers into submission. A statement from the Government would be welcomed by the health workers, with particular reference to whether or not this, if true, aligns with the principles of social partnership.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much, Luke Fletcher, for raising this again. It was raised last week, as you say. Yes, NHS Wales has a strong social partnership structure, and we encourage, as we did last week, both parties to seek that resolution and to find an end to the dispute for the benefit of staff and patients.

It is a local dispute between Unite and the health board, not a national issue, and it hasn't been raised, I understand, by other health unions through the Welsh social partnership arrangements. Can I also say, as you recognise, that health visitors play a vital role in improving outcomes for children and families? So, we hope this will be resolved.

NHS Wales Employers are co-ordinating an expert group to develop a range of job descriptions. Unite the Union has been invited to take part. I do understand that Cwm Taf Morgannwg say that an initial meeting with ACAS was going to take place. I don't know if it did take place. It was scheduled for Friday 27 February, subject to Unite confirmation. But it certainly will take place, if not then, early this week.

Mark Isherwood (Conservative, North Wales)

I call for a Government statement on NHS general dental services contracts in Wales. Despite the health Secretary's proclamation to the contrary here last week, the British Dental Association Cymru has raised serious concerns about the process and substance of the new NHS dental services contract in Wales, including the absence of meaningful scrutiny and the lack of timely, accurate information provided to dentists. They stated last month that key operational documents had not been published, leaving practices facing major business decisions with only days to spare. They state that dentists are being asked to operate on untested contracts without piloting, carrying significant financial risk, with many practices considering handing back contracts, having major implications for patient access across Wales.

Abergele dental practice is the latest to hand back their contract, and I have been contacted by constituents in Mold following Bryn Siriol dental practice handing back its NHS contract, forcing children and families, including my own grandchildren, out of NHS care. My own dentist told me in person that this was a direct consequence of the Welsh Government's new dental contract, the straw that broke the camel's back. The human cost is now, and a Welsh Government statement is urgently needed explaining how patient care will be protected—now, urgently.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much, Mark Isherwood. Issues have been raised about the consultation and leading to the new dental contract, which, of course, is as a result of consultation with the British Dental Association. They have been very engaged in that. And also, just in terms of understanding the impacts on it, the changes have been well rehearsed, and, indeed, statements have been made by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. You have brought this to the Senedd today, and I respect that, but it is something that is now working its way through and that has been understood by the dental profession. We do, of course, have to make sure that there is accessibility to our NHS dental services here in Wales. It is on the record that your concerns have been raised.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

Trefnydd, I'd like to ask for a statement about how the Welsh Government is seeking to keep women safe and to rebuild trust with the police. Five years ago today, Sarah Everard was abducted, raped and murdered by a Metropolitan Police officer. The Angiolini inquiry conducted after her death revealed that sexual harassment is normalised and women are often on high alert, particularly at night, in parks and on public transport, where there is a greater risk of sexually motivated crimes. The inquiry called for a fundamental shift in police culture and practice. Tonight, a memorial run will be taking place, finishing at the Senedd at 6 p.m., to honour all women murdered. It will include a minute's silence and calls for more to be done about men's behaviours. How is the Welsh Government ensuring that the police root out those accused of sexual offences and ensuring that women feel safe outside their homes?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much, Julie Morgan. It's the five-year anniversary, yes, of that devastating kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard. We're reminded of the deep grief that her family and community continue to carry and the shared responsibility we all hold to end violence against women and girls. The violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy for 2022-26 sets out that clear commitment to engage directly with men and boys in efforts to address VAWDASV across Wales. Of course, that is ensuring that we're working through dedicated work streams on gender-based harassment in all public spaces and tackling perpetration. You will know, of course, that we've introduced a communications campaign focusing on engaging men and boys to reduce all forms of VAWDASV, and we're now entering the third phase of that.

I do welcome and thank those who've organised the memorial event tonight, organised by Dr Ashley Morgan, senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, bringing runners from across south Wales. As you said, they'll come to the steps of the Senedd. This will provide a very powerful and respectful moment of reflection, but also recognising the opportunity we have, again, to reinforce the importance of our recognition that we want to ensure that women and girls feel safe being active in public spaces.

You particularly draw attention to the Angiolini inquiry and to what this means in terms of trust and confidence in the police forces. I was minded, again, to see the Independent Office for Police Conduct press statement today about the fact that gross misconduct was proven for two former Gwent Police officers over the sharing of horrendously offensive messages, which were discriminatory, wholly inappropriate and unprofessional messages of misogyny, homophobia and racism. I know, working so closely with the police, of their keen leadership and the voices of the chief constables and the police and crime commissioners, their commitment to building that trust and confidence in policing in Wales. I'm also glad that I'm co-chairing the VAWDASV national partnership board with police and crime commissioner Emma Wools. I know that we will be reflecting that again when we meet later this week.

Jane Dodds (Liberal Democrat, Mid and West Wales)

Good afternoon, Trefnydd. I'd like to request two statements, please. Last week, I visited Hwb y Gors in the Amman valley to discuss our green energy future. Hwb y Gors stands as a powerful example of community ownership done right. Revenue from two locally community-owned wind turbines was reinvested to purchase and renovate the community centre, ensuring that the benefits stay local. But one of the big challenges that they face is securing planning permission. It took them six years in order to get to the stage where they were able to start commissioning their wind turbines. So, I'd like to hear exactly how we can help those communities to invest in local energy projects.

I'd also like to request a statement from you, please, on the situation in Gaza. Last month, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened briefly, offering a lifeline to civilians in desperate need. But following the renewed regional escalation, the crossing at Rafah has now been closed again. There's a population of 2 million people already heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance and facing starvation. So, I'd like to hear what steps the Welsh Government is taking to support international relief efforts and ensure that those civilians in Gaza are fed. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds. Thank you, first of all, for drawing attention to that community-led energy project in the Amman valley, I think you said. What's good is, this financial year, we've backed three community-led energy projects, with nearly £5 million, putting energy assets and opportunity directly into the hands of Welsh communities. I think it's always really important that the Cabinet Secretary for economy is also the Secretary for energy and planning, because your point about planning is very relevant. We have, through Ynni Cymru, committed to invest over £32 million since the scheme was launched in 2024. Community energy, of course, is about people, and its impact is it tackles fuel poverty, creating jobs and building long-lasting social value far beyond what can be measured. But thank you for raising the point about the journey, which can be delayed, often, by planning issues, which you acknowledged in your contribution today.

The second issue is extremely worrying. Of course, the ongoing situation in the middle east is deeply concerning, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely challenging. Over 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 90 per cent of the population have been displaced. The temporary closure of all crossings into Gaza, following the start of hostilities in the wider region, is a serious concern. Reports that the Kerem Shalom crossing will reopen from today for the gradual entry of humanitarian aid must be followed by a rapid resumption of aid at scale through multiple crossings.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Jane—. No, she's just done. Sorry. Natasha Asghar.

Natasha Asghar (Conservative, South Wales East)

Thanks very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. Business Secretary, can I please request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care about the ongoing health visitor strike within Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board? In line with what Luke Fletcher asked earlier, I've been contacted by multiple constituents over recent days expressing concern about the strike and the impact that it's having on families. Health visitors, as we all know, are a lifeline to new mothers, babies and families, but they feel that they have no choice but to strike due to the dispute over pay banding. If staff are not being paid adequately for the qualifications and responsibilities that they hold, that is clearly unfair and undermines the pipeline of talent we desperately need in line with demand.

I understand that the health board has been in discussions with the Government over this for many months now, so how have we got to this point? These are questions that I would like to know, and I'm sure that many others would too. Why was there no sense of urgency to date, given that the 10-year pay protection for staff was due to expire at the health board? A statement from the Welsh Government outlining how long they have known about this issue, what steps they have taken up until now and how they plan to work with the health board, staff and unions to stop the strike action is urgently needed. I appreciate what your response was to Luke Fletcher before, and I really hope that the Cabinet Secretary will be able to keep us updated as to those talks that are going to be taking place. Thank you.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you. I have answered a question already this afternoon on the health visitors pay dispute at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Local Health Board, which we hope will be resolved as a matter of urgency. I have drawn attention to the fact that NHS Wales employers are co-ordinating an expert group, developing a range of job descriptions, and Unite has been invited to take part. I understand that a meeting with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has or will take place, and of course Cwm Taf Morgannwg recognises concerns raised about the revised educational requirements, which are having an impact. In terms of just going into the detail about this, this is something that we hope can be resolved at a local level, and if there are any wider issues in terms of NHS Wales or beyond, then we will, of course, I know, be addressing those.

Laura Anne Jones (Reform UK, South Wales East)

Trefnydd, I would like to ask for a statement on gender guidance currently operating in Welsh schools and whether this Government intends to reverse it. There has been uproar recently, as you know, about new guidance being released in England allowing children as young as four to socially transition, changing names and pronouns in the classroom, but in Wales this is nothing new, is it? Schools have long been encouraged to push gender ideology on small children. Welsh Labour, cheered on by Plaid, have even entertained the idea—an utter madness of children self-identifying as cats, treating it as completely normal: biological reality shredded, parental rights trampled, kids' minds indoctrinated, all under the guise of inclusion. Children as young as four should not be confused about basic biology. In Reform, we are crystal clear that the law and facts trump ideology. And we will defend girls’ rights, and we will back parents.

Trefnydd, when will this Labour Government finally issue clear guidance that protects girls in schools and properly puts an end to pushing dangerous ideology on innocent children that will only get worse under an extremist Plaid Government? Diolch.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Well, I think one of the things that I always turn to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and thank her for is the fact that she has said very clearly, in terms of our curriculum, 'I’m very proud of our new curriculum, which is now being rolled out across Wales, and that it is really important that schools are inclusive.' And in terms of the curriculum, one of our main purposes is for children to grow up as ethically informed citizens, and that our pioneering relationships and sexuality education, a mainstream strand of the curriculum, is now being implemented in schools.

I have to say, we had a very good presentation from an official from the Cabinet Secretary’s department on Thursday at the faith communities forum, which is a forum of many different views and faiths, hearing about the ways in which we are developing and implementing our curriculum to meet the needs of children in that inclusive way.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

I’d like to call for a statement, please, from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care this afternoon, following a deeply troubling account shared on social media based on someone’s A&E experience at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in recent days. A constituent described arriving to find the department dangerously overcrowded, with patients on beds and chairs lining the corridors. Opposite them lay an elderly, frail woman, alone on a corridor trolley. She was visibly distressed, making laboured sounds as staff and visitors hurried past. Tragically, she died there, alone, in a corridor, without privacy, without dignity, without anyone to comfort her by her side.

Now, let me be clear, this isn’t a criticism of hard‑working NHS staff, who we know face intolerable systemic pressures on a daily basis. But no patient, and certainly no elderly or vulnerable person, should spend their final moments in such undignified and distressing conditions. Corridor care is cruel, inhuman. It is not befitting of us as a developed nation. It should never have been normalised, and this incident shows the human cost of that failure. Passing alone in a corridor is no way to mark the closing of a human life.

So, I’d like to hear from the Cabinet Secretary for health what urgent actions he is taking to end the shocking practice of corridor care in our hospitals and to ensure that nobody else dies alone in a hospital corridor ever again.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

It is very regrettable to hear of that tragic experience and occurrence that you have brought to our attention. Obviously, we can't deal with individual cases, but I’m sure that you have raised this with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

I think, just in terms of emergency department performance in north Wales, over the last four years, £12 million in six goals funding has been provided to Betsi Cadwaladr to improve urgent and emergency care. And the health board is accessing a further £2.7 million this year to deliver a range of interventions. And this is about actually enabling a patient to come to be assessed, and then for an appropriate care pathway to be agreed for that patient.

Of course, we know there is huge pressure on our emergency departments in terms of patient needs and patients presenting themselves, but I think the six goals funding, part of the £35.5 million investment to help support that health board and the north Wales regional partnership board, is about safely managing more people in the community, avoiding ambulance transport and admission to hospital, delivering integrated solutions with social care and improving patient flow through hospitals.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

In January, I asked for a statement on the future of Aston Martin. Six weeks later, there's been no such statement, but major concerns remain. Up to 100 jobs will be lost at Bro Tathan. Last week, Aston Martin announced their intention to reduce their workforce by 20 per cent. The Welsh Government has awarded grants to Aston Martin—grants with conditions up to 2030. The details of those conditions set for those grants are crucially important. So, may we have a statement, please?

And secondly, can we have a statement on another one of your constituents, the amazing Nadine Marshall? She contacted me this morning to tell me that she'd read in the press today that her son's murderer was back in court, accused of further offences whilst at prison. I'm sure you'll agree with me, Trefnydd, that it's appalling that victims are finding out through the press that further offences have been committed. Will you, as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, contact the Ministry of Justice to see how we can improve communication with victims? Thank you.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Rhys ab Owen. Clearly, I have to declare an interest, in that Aston Martin is in my constituency, and I have answered questions from you before, as indeed has the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, and indeed the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. I have also met with both the management and with the trade unions in recent weeks, because of the emerging news about the impact on Aston Martin. I've visited Aston Martin myself, so I'm talking very much as a constituency Member. But indeed, of course, Aston Martin, we welcomed to Wales. And in terms of the arrangements, which are very clearly laid down in terms of support for Aston Martin, clearly they are open for scrutiny and that's open for scrutiny and question, but we are confident that their commitment to Wales is strong. I think one of the points I would make, which I think is helpful, is that the paint shop has been opened in Aston Martin and St Athan, and that actually means that cars have to actually come to Aston Martin from their headquarters in Warwickshire, and the models, of course, that have been developed there are across the world. They have suffered from the Trump tariffs, as you know, but we are working at Welsh Government and UK Government to address that.

I'm very grateful that you've raised this concern from Nadine Marshall, who is also a constituent who I have supported over many years, but also I have, and will again, raise this with the Ministry of Justice. She's played a very powerful role in influencing policy and reflecting on the appalling way in which Chris Grayling divided and privatised our probation service, way back. I do pay tribute to her courage and the contribution that she's made in terms of influencing probation policy, as we look to and discuss the way we'd like to have more power and responsibility for probation here in Wales.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

And lastly, James Evans.

James Evans (Independent, Brecon and Radnorshire)

Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. Trefnydd, I'd like a statement, please, from the Welsh Government on the protection of Welsh elections. In the recent Gorton and Denton by-election, it was observed by democracy observers a widespread family voting across the constituency. We all want to see the protection of our elections across the country, and I think that's especially important going into our Senedd election. So, I'd like an urgent statement from the Welsh Government about how you're going to protect the integrity of our Welsh Senedd election.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Of course, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government is responsible and taking clear responsibility, with the returning officers from all our local authorities, for protecting and preparing for our forthcoming elections. Also, I think what's important is that this is the responsibility of many who play a part in this, including the Electoral Commission and the boundary commission—all of those organisations that meet together to discuss and find a way forward. In fact, I think the political panel has a key role to play as far as this is concerned, and we look forward to this having an impact on the way that the elections, the forthcoming elections, on 7 May are conducted, because we know that they will be conducted rigorously, and that the citizens of Wales can have confidence in the arrangements that are being made at national and local level.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I thank the Trefnydd.

4. The Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2026

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 4 is the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2026. And I call on the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership to move the motion—Jack Sargeant.

Jack Sargeant (Labour, Alyn and Deeside)

Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the motion to approve the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2026.

The Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 includes socially responsible procurement duties, which require the Welsh public sector to pursue social, environmental, economic and cultural well-being through all public procurement. These regulations make further provisions for annual reports that public bodies must publish. These reports must include information on how their procurement activities generally contribute to achieving the well-being goals in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The regulations also extend the scope of prescribed contracts, define 'registrable contracts', and update wording to align with the social model of disability.

I'm very grateful to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for their careful scrutiny of these regulations, and I ask Members to approve the regulations in the Senedd today.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

And I call on the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Mike Hedges.

Mike Hedges (Labour, Swansea East)

Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee considered the draft regulations on 2 February, and the Welsh Government’s response last week. The committee’s report contains one technical reporting point and two merits reporting points.

The technical reporting point highlights a missing paragraph number in the regulations. The Welsh Government accepted the point, and will make the correction prior to making the regulations.

The first merits reporting point requests further information about the impact of the extension of the definition of a 'prescribed contract', particularly whether it extends the scope of the socially responsible procurement duty. The Welsh Government’s response clarifies that the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 imposes the socially responsible procurement duty on all public procurement. The response further states that the Welsh Government has always intended to further define in regulations a 'prescribed contract' by reference to financial thresholds aligned with the World Trade Organization's Government procurement agreement. The Welsh Government has committed to update the explanatory memorandum and explain how the application of the duty has been extended and the policy rationale for doing so.

The committee’s second merits scrutiny point highlights that the consultation carried out by the Welsh Government in relation to these draft regulations did not seek views on the policy itself.

Luke Fletcher (Plaid Cymru, South Wales West)

Just a brief question from myself to the Minister, to seek some clarity on how these regulations will affect small and medium-sized enterprises. I noted it mentions within the regulations that they apply to larger contracts, but some clarity on this particular issue would be very welcome.

Altaf Hussain (Conservative, South Wales West)

It will come as no surprise that the Welsh Conservatives will not be supporting these regulations today. I want to reiterate that we believe in social partnership, provided it occurs naturally. However, legislation in this way will do little to ensure successful partnership, and will place an unnecessary burden on SMEs. We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and, instead of focusing on job creation, Welsh businesses are asked to report on opportunities to use, learn or improve their Welsh language skills, to report on their carbon reduction plans and their environmental policies. Are we really saying that Welsh SMEs will be prevented from supplying public sector bodies because they don't have adequate diversity, equality and inclusion policies? I urge colleagues to reject these regulations. Thank you.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The Minister to reply to the debate.

Jack Sargeant (Labour, Alyn and Deeside)

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm grateful to the Chair of the legislation committee for all of his work, and for the work of the members of that committee. I'm pleased that we've responded to the report there. Presiding Officer, just to touch on a couple of points raised by Members, I had the pleasure of reading the 2022 contribution from the Welsh Conservatives at the time when this legislation was introduced. It's exactly the same contribution that was today. I don't think—. I don't think the—. It's consistently wrong is what I think it will prove to be. It's not the case that that makes sense in reality.

To Luke Fletcher's point on SMEs, which is an important point, I think, actually, the regulations will require contracting authorities to report on characteristics, including whether they are located in Wales and SMEs. So, I think these regulations in front of the Senedd today will actually enhance the opportunities for SMEs across the country to take part in the procurement opportunities that will come from it. Then, when it comes to smaller public bodies, well, it's in the Act and the regulations where proportionality is deemed appropriate, when the nature of the risk of the procurement opportunity—. So, that also supports smaller public bodies as well.

Llywydd, just to say, as I detailed, I think, in my opening remarks, this will strengthen our approach to socially responsible procurement. It will further promote our commitment to improving social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being to the people of Wales. This is the final step of the journey in the legislative frame. Social partnership remains a destination, and we're always looking to increase and enhance that destination. I want to place on record, given that it is the final stage of the legislative process here in the Senedd, my thanks to Welsh Government officials, my thanks to Hannah Blythyn, in her role as Minister for Social Partnership, in getting to where we are today, and, of course, my thanks to the trade union movement, who have supported socially responsible procurement and social partnership for many, many years now in Wales. I ask Members to reject the opposition from the Welsh Conservatives, support the motion and approve the regulations today.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? [Objection.] There is objection. Therefore, I'll defer voting under this item until voting time.

5. The National Health Service (Direct Payments) (Wales) Regulations 2026

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 5 has been postponed until 24 March.

6. The Annual Returns (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

So, item 6, is the Annual Returns (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026. I call on the Minister for Children and Social Care to move the motion—Dawn Bowden.

Dawn Bowden (Labour, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney)

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I move the motion.

Dawn Bowden (Labour, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney)

The statutory instrument before you introduces amendments to existing regulations on provider annual returns and associated penalty notices. Although technical, these changes are essential to delivering one of the Government's major reforms in children's social care—removing profit from the care of looked-after children in Wales. The instrument strengthens assurance and accountability. It ensures that the legal requirement introduced through the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 for restricted children's services to operate on a not-for-profit basis is tested not only at registration with Care Inspectorate Wales but also on an ongoing basis through annual returns.

The principal amendment requires non-local authority providers of restricted children's services—children's care homes, secure accommodation and fostering services—to confirm annually that they remain compliant with the Act's not-for-profit requirement. This safeguard offers a continuing mechanism for providers to demonstrate that they meet the conditions of their registration, helping ensure that the policy intent of removing profit from children's care is realised in practice. The instrument also requires all social care providers to publish their annual returns on their own website within a set time frame. Annual returns contain important information about how services operate. Publishing them on the provider's website ensures people can easily access the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.

A minor consequential amendment updates the penalty notices framework. This amendment reflects the change made by the 2025 Act to the heading of section 48 of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.

Taken together, these amendments do not alter the purpose of annual returns but strengthen their role in promoting assurance and accountability. The instrument supports effective implementation of the profit removal provisions of the 2025 Act whilst remaining proportionate, pragmatic and informed by engagement with the sector. Dirprwy Lywydd, these targeted amendments reinforce key policies while retaining clarity, consistency and oversight, and I commend them to the Senedd. Diolch.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

And I call on the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Mike Hedges.

Mike Hedges (Labour, Swansea East)

Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee considered the draft regulations on 26 January. The committee's report contains one merits scrutiny point. It highlights that one of the enabling powers relied upon is not yet in force. The enabling power in question comes into force on 1 April 2026, which is the same date that these regulations come into force. The Legislation (Wales) Act 2019 provides that a power under provisions of subordinate instruments may be exercised before those provisions come into force. The committee did not request a response from the Welsh Government.

James Evans (Independent, Brecon and Radnorshire)

I will not be supporting these regulations today. The Minister has, obviously, had this debate previously about the removal of profit from care. I can understand why the Welsh Government wants to get there. But, unfortunately, I do not feel that there is the capacity in the system currently to do that, and it is about the quality of care provided, not where it is provided as well. So, we will not be supporting these regulations today, because I do not support the aims of the Bill in principle—Act in principle.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The Minister to reply to the debate.

Dawn Bowden (Labour, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney)

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. And can I thank the Chair of the LJC and James Evans for his contribution? I respect James's view on the position of the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 as it relates to the elimination of profit from the care of looked-after children, but, of course, this was a key government for Wales commitment and it was a key part of the programme for government, and so we have pressed ahead with that, and it has the support of the majority of this Senedd.

As we close this debate, I think it's important to reflect on what these regulations represent and the wider reform of social care in Wales. At their core, these amendments ensure a key policy commitment, removing profit from the care of looked-after children and ensuring that it is delivered effectively. Such significant change requires proportionate, robust and transparent regulatory arrangements, which these regulations aim to provide.

Introducing an annual confirmation of not-for-profit status is a sensible, practical measure. It recognises that compliance should not only be confirmed before registration, but must be demonstrated over time. Using this established regulatory mechanism strengthens oversight without creating unnecessary duplication for providers. Also, requiring the publication of annual returns on the provider's website within a common time frame reinforces transparency, which is essential for public confidence. Direct accessibility to this information provides understanding of how services operate and supports people's informed decisions about their care.

Finally, the consequential amendment to penalty notices ensures coherence and accuracy across the legislation. Together, these provisions turn policy ambition into practical reality, providing clarity, assurance and transparency while keeping the focus firmly on individuals in need of care and support. I respectfully ask that you support them. Diolch yn fawr.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? [Objection.] There is objection. Therefore, I defer voting under this item until voting time.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

In accordance with Standing Order 12.24, unless a Member objects, the two motions under items 7 and 8, the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments and Transitory Provision) Regulations 2026, and the Online Safety Act 2023 (Exempt User-to-User and Search Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, will be grouped for debate but with separate votes. I haven't heard any objections.

7. & 8. The Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments and Transitory Provision) Regulations 2026 and The Online Safety Act 2023 (Exempt User-to-User and Search Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Therefore, I call on the Minister for Further and Higher Education to move the motions—Vikki Howells.

Vikki Howells (Labour, Cynon Valley)

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the motions.

From 1 April 2026, we will see the next phase of Medr's functions come into effect, as provided for in the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022. This marks a significant step forward, as Medr takes on full responsibility for securing, funding and inspecting further education and training, including school sixth forms, along with the responsibility for the formation of local curricula. To ensure our legislation is robust and up to date, the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments and Transitory Provision) Regulations 2026 will make the necessary amendments to existing primary and secondary legislation. This will align the wider legal framework with the changes brought in by the 2022 Act. These regulations will also make a transitory modification to reflect the funding functions of Medr under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, whilst the implementation of the 2022 Act is ongoing.

The second statutory instrument before you today, the Online Safety Act 2023 (Exempt User-to-User and Search Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, will amend the Online Safety Act 2023 as a consequence of the repeal of certain provisions within the Learning and Skills Act 2000. The 2023 Act introduced a new regulatory framework to tackle illegal and harmful online content, placing legal duties upon providers of user-to-user services and search engines. Importantly, it also established Ofcom as the regulator for online safety, responsible for overseeing this regime.

To ensure that organisations already subject to robust safeguarding requirements, such as those subject to inspection by Estyn, are not subject to duplicate regulation, certain education and childcare providers in Wales are exempt from Ofcom's regulatory oversight. The 2023 Act is being amended to update and extend these exemptions, reflecting changes brought about by the 2022 Act. Specifically, further education or training in Wales, when funded or secured by Medr, the Welsh Ministers or local authorities, will remain exempt from Ofcom's remit. This will keep safeguarding responsibilities firmly in place, with Estyn continuing its vital inspection role.

The amendments provided for by both of the statutory instruments before you are consequential and necessary to ensure the statute book continues to operate as intended. I would like to thank the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for their scrutiny of these regulations. In my response to the committee's report on the consequential regulations, I committed to amend a footnote clarifying how a copy of a local Order amended by these regulations could be accessed. I can confirm that this amendment has been made. I ask Members to approve these regulations today.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I call on the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Mike Hedges.

Mike Hedges (Labour, Swansea East)

Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. My contribution today will be in respect of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments and Transitory Provision) Regulations 2026, which the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee considered last week, alongside the Welsh Government's response.

The report contains one technical reporting point and two merits scrutiny reporting points. The technical reporting point asks the Welsh Government to confirm that paragraph 32(2) of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 will be commenced before these regulations come into force. Paragraph 32(2) must be commenced for regulation 6 to be effective. The Welsh Government has confirmed that paragraph 32(2) will be commenced at the same time as regulation 6 comes into force.

The committee's first scrutiny reporting point asks whether the Saint David's Catholic College Incorporation Order 2005, which is referred to in the regulation, is publicly accessible. It is not available on legislation.gov.uk, nor on commonly used subscription-based legal websites. The Welsh Government responded that local statutory instruments, such as the 2005 Order, are exempt from the general requirement that statutory instruments are printed and sold. However, the Order is publicly available through the Welsh Government’s online archive. Finally, the committee’s second merits scrutiny point highlights that no consultation has been carried out in relation to these regulations.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The Minister to reply to the debate.

Vikki Howells (Labour, Cynon Valley)

I would like to thank Mike Hedges for participating in today's debate, and I call on Members to approve these regulations so we can continue to implement this Act and allow Medr to move forward with embedding these important reforms.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The proposal is to agree the motion under item 7. Does any Member object? There is no objection. Therefore, the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The next proposal is to agree the motion under item 8. Does any Member object? [Objection.] There is objection. Therefore, I defer voting under this item until voting time.

9. The Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 9 on our agenda is the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. I call on the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs to move the motion. Huw Irranca-Davies.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

You have to pull it up, Huw.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Okay. My apologies. I'm getting used to this new paraphernalia.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Novel technologies for Ministers.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the motion.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Today, we are discussing subordinate legislation to further strengthen and to put in place the next step in terms of Wales's successful reforms in workplace recycling.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Firstly, I would like to take a moment to thank the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for its work scrutinising this Welsh statutory instrument. The first phase of the workplace recycling reforms came into force in April 2024, through a suite of complementary instruments collectively known as the workplace recycling regulations. We are now all very familiar with them. The workplace recycling regulations ensure that all workplaces keep key recyclable material separate for collection for onward recycling, mirroring what households already do, actually, across most of Wales.

I'm very pleased to report, Dirprwy Lywydd, that in the first year of these regulations being in force, an additional 8,187 tonnes of recyclable material was collected from workplaces by local authorities. This is up 42 per cent on the previous year. And credit to the local authorities and all those who have contributed to that. At the same time, Dirprwy Lywydd, residual waste collected from workplaces dropped by 15.8 per cent. This means that thousands of tonnes of additional materials are now being recycled and returned to the economy, instead of being incinerated or even landfilled.

Now, building on this overwhelming success, the regulations being debated today in this Senedd Chamber form phase 2 of the workplace recycling reforms, and they will amend the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023 to bring in a requirement for workplaces to present small waste electrical and electronic equipment—catchily entitled SWEEEs—separately for collection and onward recycling from 6 April this year. Currently, workplaces are only required to separate unsold small waste electricals.

Up to 75 per cent of the materials in old electricals can be recycled—up to 75 per cent. If electricals go to landfill or incineration instead of being recycled, then valuable and often finite resources, such as gold, copper, aluminium and steel are lost. [Interruption.] Indeed, I'll come to lithium as well. Furthermore, using recycled materials from waste electricals to create new products strengthens our supply chains, it reduces carbon emissions and reduces our reliance on the extraction of virgin materials and the associated environmental damage and biodiversity loss that this can cause.

In addition, many small electrical items indeed, as Mike Hedges said from a sedentary position, contain lithium-ion batteries. When placed in residual black-bag waste, these items are often subject to compaction, which is a known cause of waste fires. The regulatory impact assessment estimates that this policy could avoid between 2.6 and 15.9 fires per year, with potential savings of £2.1 million to £12.5 million annually.

Let me make it clear, Dirprwy Lywydd, that the consequences of such waste fires are stark. In 2021, a lithium-ion battery caused a major fire, which many of us will be familiar with, at a waste transfer station owned by a local authority in Wales. It resulted in a 3.5 per cent drop in the recycling rate of that local authority, additional net costs of £913,000 in 2021-22, and a rebuild of that facility projected at £15.5 million. So, when waste fires occur, the consequences can also extend far beyond a single site. They can affect entire communities by disrupting local services and wider environmental harm.

This improvement we are debating today is also expected to support increased jobs and investment. The modelling suggests that over 90 new jobs will be created over the first decade. This is in addition, by the way, to the predicted 784 new jobs created as a result of the phase 1 of the workplace recycling reforms that came into force in April 2024. Furthermore, it will deliver important environmental benefits, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 7,400 tonnes, increasing the recycling of small electricals by an estimated 38,000 tonnes over 10 years.

Keeping small electricals out of residual waste also reduces the risk of toxic substances leaching into the environment—something I know is of concern to many Members. Consistent workplace collections will also complement local authorities' efforts to increase recycling of household waste electricals.

This additional SWEEE requirement is the latest phase of the workplace recycling reforms, which are modelled to deliver a cumulative net benefit of £194.6 million net present value over 10 years from the combined package of measures. That is significant. So, with Wales already second in the world for recycling, by implementing the next phase of the workplace recycling reforms, we take another significant step. This will see even more high-quality material captured and recycled, so it can go back into the economy and be used by Welsh manufacturers, unlocking the benefits of the circular economy and the transition to net zero for Wales.

So, in bringing forward these reforms, Dirprwy Lywydd, we are delivering on our programme for government commitments. We're illustrating how essential action to decarbonise and respond to the climate and the nature emergency can also build a stronger, greener economy, based on the principles of sustainability and on the industries and the services of the future. I look forward to hearing others' comments.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

There are no other speakers, therefore, Cabinet Secretary, do you wish to say anything else?

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

No, thank you.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? [Objection.] There is objection. Therefore, I defer voting under this item until voting time.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

In accordance with Standing Order 12.24, unless a Member objects, the two motions under item 10, the Infrastructure Consent (Fees) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, and item 11, the Infrastructure Consent (Compensation for Changing or Revoking Infrastructure Consent Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2026, will be grouped for debate but with separate votes. I don't hear any objection.

10. & 11. The Infrastructure Consent (Fees) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and The Infrastructure Consent (Compensation for Changing or Revoking Infrastructure Consent Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2026

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Therefore, I call on the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning to move the motions. Rebecca Evans.

Rebecca Evans (Labour, Gower)

Thank you. I’m pleased to present the Infrastructure Consent (Fees) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and the Infrastructure Consent (Compensation for Changing or Revoking Infrastructure Consent Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2026 for approval.

These regulations form a package of legislation completing the implementation of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024, which introduced a new consenting process for significant infrastructure projects in Wales on 15 December last year. The new process has already gained favourable feedback from developers, and the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales team has already been responding to requests and providing valuable pre-application advice, which is really positive. Other regulations that are part of this package and are subject to the Senedd annulment procedure set out procedural matters for changing and revoking infrastructure consent Orders and for how errors in decision documents are corrected.

So, turning to the regulations that are the subject of today's debate. Infrastructure Consent (Fees) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 amend the current fees regulations for infrastructure consent Orders to provide the framework for the charging of fees associated with the proposed applications or applications for changing and revoking infrastructure consent Orders. The regulations ensure full cost recovery can be achieved for public authorities, with developers paying for the processing and determination of these applications.

The Infrastructure Consent (Compensation for Changing or Revoking Infrastructure Consent Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2026 specify how claims for compensation must be made, in addition to the minimum amount of compensation for depreciation. Claims for compensation that these regulations relate to can only be brought forward in circumstances where the Welsh Ministers change or revoke an infrastructure consent Order without an application being made. I ask Members to approve the regulations that are subject to this debate.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I call on the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Mike Hedges.

Mike Hedges (Labour, Swansea East)

Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee considered both sets of draft regulations last week. The committee's report on the draft Infrastructure Consent (Fees) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 highlights that the regulations make provision for the charging of fees in connection with applications in relation to infrastructure consent Orders. These fees are payable to the Welsh Ministers.

The report notes that the fees are to be the amounts published on a website maintained by, or on behalf of, the Welsh Ministers, rather than being specified on the face of the regulations. This approach is permitted within the enabling power. However, it means that the specific amount can be changed by the Welsh Government without further Senedd scrutiny. The committee did not request a response from the Welsh Government.

The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee's report on the Infrastructure Consent (Compensation for Changing or Revoking Infrastructure Consent Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2026 contain one technical and one merits scrutiny reporting point. The technical reporting point notes that the terms 'land' and 'minerals' have not been defined in these regulations as they have been defined in the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024, and points out that definitions in a parent Act do not necessarily apply automatically to regulations made under that Act. In its response, the Welsh Government acknowledges the reporting point, but states that it believes the meaning of the terms to be sufficiently clear.

Finally, the committee's merits scrutiny point highlights that the regulations were not subject to formal consultation.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The Cabinet Secretary to reply to the debate.

Rebecca Evans (Labour, Gower)

I'm very grateful to the Chair for those comments and for the work of the LJC committee, which I was pleased to provide a response to. The package of regulations does complete now the implementation of the infrastructure consenting regime. It offers a modern, simplified and accelerated process for significant infrastructure projects in Wales. I'd ask the Senedd to approve both the Infrastructure Consent (Fees) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and the Infrastructure Consent (Compensation for Changing or Revoking Infrastructure Consent Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2026, which support the post-consent matters for the new infrastructure consenting process.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The proposal is to agree the motion under item 10. Does any Member object? There is no objection. Therefore, the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The next proposal is to agree the motion under item 11. Does any Member object? There is no objection. Therefore, the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

12. The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 12 is the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. I call on the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs to move the motion—Huw Irranca-Davies.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. I move the motion.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Can I begin by thanking the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for the report? I do undertake to correct the technical error in the drafting on making, subject to the Siambr approving the regulations today, Mike.

The regulations before you were made under the Environment Act 1995. The Act empowers Welsh Ministers to prescribe in regulations a penalty range for stationary idling offences. A stationary idling offence is a failure to stop a vehicle engine when stationary for the prevention of exhaust emissions.

Stationary idling is a public health concern. It can contribute to local air pollution and can increase exposure to harmful emissions. This is most concerning where vulnerable groups are exposed, including children, the elderly, and those with certain health conditions. The potential impacts for these groups are particularly acute: restricted lung development and respiratory infections, asthma, reduced attention span and cognitive function, heart disease, diabetes, dementia—and the list goes on.

We need to look at every possible lever that we have to reduce idling and the health dangers associated with it. We need to ensure that local authorities are provided with all the tools they require to take action. The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Wales) Regulations 2003 empower local authorities to enforce stationary idling offences. However, the initial penalty amount of £20 was set more than 20 years ago, and it makes enforcement an expensive option for authorities. It is also, arguably, too low to present a strong deterrent to drivers.

The proposed regulations will establish a new penalty range of between £75 and £150. Where the recipient of a fixed-penalty notice fails to respond, this will increase by 50 per cent. An offence is only committed, however, where a driver refuses to comply with a request to turn off their engine. Where enforcement is deemed necessary, I believe it important that local authorities focus on locations of the greatest concern for public exposure, for example near schools, nurseries and healthcare centres.

Local authorities will have discretionary powers to select and impose a penalty amount from within the stipulated range. Penalties may be tailored to local circumstances, allowing those local authorities to issue higher penalties reflecting the most concerning circumstances of public exposure. A restriction will be set on the use of any surplus income after costs. This must be directed to measures to further reduce vehicle emissions and to improve air quality more broadly, so it's very targeted.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

I commend the motion to the Chamber.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I call on the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Mike Hedges.

Mike Hedges (Labour, Swansea East)

Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee considered the draft regulations last week and the Welsh Government's response yesterday. The committee's report contains one technical reporting point, which highlights an incorrect reference to a sub-paragraph in the regulations. The Welsh Government accept the reporting point and, as the Minister has just said, they will seek to correct the error prior to making the regulations.

Sam Rowlands (Conservative, North Wales)

The Welsh Conservatives will be voting against these regulations, because they represent yet another anti-motorist measure from this Labour Welsh Government. At a time when families are already facing rising costs, increasing fixed penalties for stationary idling from £20 to as much as £150 sends a very clear message that drivers are just an easy target for this Government. If this increase was in line with inflation, which seems much more sensible to me, that would've brought the penalty fee to £36. And that was a penalty fee that went through full scrutiny and consideration when this legislation was put together.

For many people across Wales, particularly in rural and semi-rural communities, driving is not a luxury; it's essential for getting to work, taking children to school, caring for relatives and simply going about daily life. Instead of backing motorists with practical workable alternatives, this Government too often opts for punitive measures that simply make driving more difficult and more expensive. These changes presented by the Deputy First Minister today give councils the power to impose significantly higher fines. Moving from £20 up to £150 could create inconsistency across Wales and raise legitimate concerns that this becomes more about revenue generation than environmental improvement.

Tackling air quality should be about education, infrastructure and realistic alternatives, not overly penalising people who rely on their vehicles, often because no viable public transport option exists. Time and again, we see policies that make driving more expensive, more restricted and more difficult. This is part of a wider pattern we see from this Government that feels disconnected from the realities faced by working people. For those reasons, and because we believe policies should support motorists rather than single them out, we are voting against these regulations. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Jenny Rathbone (Labour, Cardiff Central)

You obviously don't have any children in your constituency to protect. I've already tried the education process. Every time I see people idling, I will politely ask them to turn off and point out that it is against the law. In half the cases, they will politely do that, and in the other half of the cases, even when they're parked outside a primary school and their own children are imbibing these poisonous gases, they become abusive and refuse to do it. It's just an attitude of mind that somehow, because they're a motorist, they have the right to pollute everybody else and pay no regard whatsoever to the lungs of children or elderly people. So, £150 is the minimum, in my view, that should be paid where somebody refuses to turn off and is not understanding that this is a major public health issue.

James Evans (Independent, Brecon and Radnorshire)

We'll be voting against these regulations today, because we believe that the proposed increase in fines is excessive, unjustified and a part of a broader platform of policies from this Welsh Labour Government, normally supported by Plaid Cymru, that unjustly targets motorists. The penalty increase is unjustified; it's over a 200 per cent increase. I'm not against the prospect of fining people for idling, but you also have to understand that people may be idling in a car for a reason—for health reasons, some people may want to demist their windscreens. Some other people may be sat in their cars as delivery drivers; they don't just leave a vehicle running.

I'm afraid what we have seen yet again—and they don't like it—is an anti-motorist agenda pushed by people who tend to live in the inner cities, do not live outside of Cardiff or Swansea or other major cities, who do not like people driving cars. [Interruption.] I don't think you can make an intervention on these, Jenny—I would otherwise. This Government has been anti-motorist from the start. We will be voting against it, because I believe and we believe that these increases are unjustified and not needed at this time. Yet again, it's a fine on working people who pay their taxes, get up early and go to work.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Just for clarification, in these type of debates you could have taken an intervention.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I call on the Cabinet Secretary to reply.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

First of all, thank you all very much for participating in this afternoon's debate.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

First of all, in terms of the LJC committee, we will correct that technical error subject to the regulations being passed this afternoon.

In terms of Sam, I've got to say I am really genuinely disappointed. I expected from the rant that we've had from the Reform ex-Conservative Member there that they would oppose this measure. I didn't expect it from the Conservatives, because I thought they were genuinely concerned about the health of children, the health of vulnerable populations, and yet they've posed this as an anti-motorist measure. It's not anti-motorist—it's pro-good health, it's pro-children, it's pro-vulnerable populations. Let me flip this on its head for you. If you vote against this this afternoon, the Conservatives are anti-children's health, anti-asthma sufferers, anti the health of vulnerable populations. That is what you are voting on.

Let me make clear, Dirprwy Lywydd: evidence is crystal clear that traffic-related air pollution is linked to a number of health impacts. These include, by the way—[Interruption.] I will in a moment. These include reduced lung function and asthma, and hospital admissions for heart attacks. I will take an intervention.

Rhianon Passmore (Labour, Islwyn)

Thank you very much. In regard to your last point, how will these measures—as you've just pointed out and spent some time outlining to this Chamber—impact people like me, who undergo biological immunotherapy for very serious respiratory diseases and those across Wales who suffer from industrial ill health, and that legacy continues to this day?

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Rhianon, thank you so much for that intervention, because many people in the population whose lungs and lung function are impaired by poor-quality air will be advantaged if the will of the Senedd this afternoon is to pass these regulations. Because in a very carefully crafted, well-consulted piece of regulations, local authorities will be able to exercise their discretion to target those areas where there is most impact on air quality, such as schools and medical centres, those areas where they are tracking the poor-quality air.

Sam, I would say to you please think again. I don't expect Reform to think again, but the Conservatives, who over the years have shown some support for these measures, should really think again. Strip away the fact that we are coming up to an election at the moment and you want to do the anti-motorist agenda. Look at the health of young people. Look at the health of the population. Air pollution, Dirprwy Lywydd, harms every one of us, but it disproportionately affects those amongst us who are the most vulnerable. It is children. We have seen the impacts—the clinically measured impact on reduced lung growth, weakened immune systems, on reduced brain development. That is what we are talking about.

Air pollution has also been shown clearly to contribute to decline in mental ability and dementia in older people, which I would have thought the Conservative Party would be concerned about. So, it is clear to me, Dirprwy Lywydd, that the case for taking action on idling for the benefit of public health is demonstrably strong. The regulations will help to ensure that local authorities have all the range of levers to tackle these problems, and I do expect local authorities will take enforcement action in a proportionate way. I wish the Members opposite in Reform and the Conservatives had actually read the detail of what we are proposing this afternoon. The enforcement should also form part of a broader campaign to tackle the risks to public health where this is most acute, including an awareness campaign. So, we propose here that guidance is also developed alongside this to support local authorities in enforcing idling offences under the proposed regulations.

However, this will be a matter for the next Government, of course. But it is vital, it is vital, Dirprwy Lywydd, that we take action to make drivers aware of the harms of stationary idling, first and foremost. Encouragement should be given to more responsible behaviour, but we do also need that lever of penalties to deal proportionately with persistent idling where other interventions have failed to tackle the problem in hotspot areas.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I have been generous, Cabinet Secretary.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

I'm sorry.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

One final point: this is cost neutral. James, read it. It's cost neutral.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

I urge Members to approve these regulations.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore)

Please support these regulations.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? [Objection.] Yes, there is objection. Therefore, I postpone voting under this item until voting time.

13. Debate: The Police Settlement 2026-27

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 13 is a debate on the police settlement 2026-27. I call on the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing to move the motion—Jayne Bryant.

Jayne Bryant (Labour, Newport West)

Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. Today I'm presenting to the Senedd for its approval details of the Welsh Government's contribution to the core revenue funding for Wales's four police and crime commissioners for 2026-27.

Core police funding in Wales is delivered through a three-way arrangement involving the Home Office, the Welsh Government and council tax. As policing policy and operational responsibilities are non-devolved, the overall funding element and envelope is determined by a decision made by the Home Office. We've maintained the established approach to calculating and distributing the Welsh Government's contribution, based on a principle of ensuring consistency and fairness across England and Wales. As set out in my announcement on 30 January, total and hypothecated revenue support for policing in Wales for 2026-27 amounts to £512.3 million, and the Welsh Government's contribution to this amount remains unchanged from last year at £113.5 million, and today it is this funding that I'm asking Members to approve.

As in previous years, the Home Office has overlaid its needs-based formula with a floor mechanism. This means for 2026-27, PCCs across England and Wales will receive an increase in funding of 4.022 per cent when compared with 2025-26, before an adjustment for special branch funding. The Home Office will provide a top-up grant to ensure all four Welsh police forces meet this floor level.

The motion for today's debate is to agree the local government finance report for PCCs, which has been laid before the Senedd. If approved, this will allow for the commissioners to confirm their budgets for the next financial year, and I ask Senedd Members to support this motion.