Senedd Watch - July 2012

The head of the Welsh Local Government Association said that the devolution of council tax benefit to Wales is “a potential disaster”. The Welsh Government complained that they haven't had enough time to prepare for the changes - which are due to come into force later in 2012. Communities and Local Government Minister, Carl Sargeant (Lab, Alyn & Deeside), said that plans to reduce the number of front-line police officers in Wales will have a...

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Welsh Government - End of year report

The Assembly is now in recess. How do I, personally, think the Welsh Government (and opposition leaders) have performed in this first year since the March 2011 referendum? (Pic : The Guardian) Carwyn Jones (Lab, Bridgend)First MinisterC (D within Wales, B externally.)Is Carwyn a good "figurehead" for Wales – someone who...

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Carwynisation of the Cardiff LDP

The preferred strategy for Cardiff's Local Development Plan is already causing controversy for the scale of proposed housing developments. However, do the numbers add up? (Pic : BBC) I pricked up my ears last week, when I heard that 45,000 homes were being proposed for Cardiff. This is an incredibly bold statement from...

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Ultra Light Rail - Another transport option?

Ultra Light Rail - Wildly idealistic, or sustainable way to keep open/ re-open lesser used branch lines in Wales? (Pic : Wikipedia) When you think of "railway", you probably think of the standard heavy rail network between major population centres. You probably won't include trams under the same umbrella, and will write-off...

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Democracy in Action - Assembly Competition

What will be the defining image of our fledgling democracy? The Assembly Commission is searching for one. (Pic : Urban75) I don't normally promote things, but as I was asked nicely, and it's relevant/interesting, I'll make an exception.Llywydd Rosemary Butler (Lab, Newport West) is currently running a photography competition...

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No confidence - Case for Change Round 2

Lesley Griffiths is due to face a grilling over the Case for Change report debacle, but is she being treated fairly here? Is a no-confidence vote an over-reaction? (Pic : New York Daily News) Tomorrow, Health Minister Lesley Griffiths (Lab, Wrexham) faces a no confidence vote in the Senedd over the row last week with regard...

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Heineken Cup squabbles & the future of European rugby union

There'll almost certainly be a compromise, but why have English clubs decided to give notice to withdraw from the Heineken Cup? (Pic : Wikipedia) A few weeks ago, English Premiership rugby union sides announced their intention to withdraw from the Heineken Cup, giving the requisite two seasons notice in time for the 2014-15...

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Where's the centre ground in Welsh politics?

There was an interesting article on Click on Wales the other day, following off the back of the launch of David Melding's (Con, South Wales Central) new "centre-right" think tank - Gorwel - at the end of June.I don't really have that much time for think tanks. They have their place, but I'm not sure they're always practical-minded...

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Dodgy Dossiers & The Case for Change

Oh, God! Here we go again! (Pic : Kitchagogo) The "Dodgy Dossier"As you probably already know, a major row has erupted over e-mails between the author of reports into NHS reorganisation in Wales - entitled under the umbrella The National Case for Change - and senior Welsh Government officials. ITV Wales, The Western Mail...

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Cameron on welfare - Right analysis, wrong sentiments

David Cameron is throwing ideas around for a new British welfare state, but could his aims be achieved with less stick, and more strategic thinking? (Pic: Wikipedia) In the last week or so, the UK Prime Minister launched (what can only be described as a "policy octopus" – putting ideas out like tentacles and hoping one...

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