Nadolig Llawen!

I've given consideration to packing this in. That's nothing to do with lack of interest, in fact I've exceeded my own expectations there. It's as though I've been blogging on autopilot. Perhaps an excuse for a break has come at the right time, though I felt like flipping a coin to decide if it would be permanent or not.In the coming year, I'd like to look at : local government in Wales – which couldn't come soon enough in my opinion - broadcasting...

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14-19 Qualifications Review

In September 2011, Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert (Lab, Caerphilly), launched a review into qualifications for 14-19 year olds. That, presumably, encompasses : GCSEs AS & A-Levels Welsh Baccalaureate NVQs The board set up to oversee the review reported back a few weeks ago. There were a comprehensive 42 recommendations...

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What Wales gets from the European Union

It's bloated. It's bureaucratic. Its budget is yet to be (formally) decided. What does Wales actually get from EU membership? (Pic : capreform.eu) I don't think issues surrounding the European Union are, really, at the forefront of most people's minds. It does look as though an agreement on the EU budget for 2013 is imminent...

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Domestic Violence White Paper

I was going to post something on yesterday's council tax benefit ruckus from the Senedd. The Welsh Government cover themselves in brown, pongy glory once again.  I'm pretty sure Rhodri Glyn Thomas (Plaid, Carmarthen E & Dinefwr) warned of this happening a good 8-9 months ago. As there's very little to work off other than some strongly-worded statements, finger pointing and incompetence, I decided against.He's got himself into another...

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Welsh Budget 2013-14

Finance Minister Jane Hutt's (Lab, Vale of Glamorgan) Welsh Government budget for the coming year passed the Senedd earlier by 25 votes to 18. Here's a summary of the total spending allocations (combined revenue and capital spending plans) and their change compared to the plans in the 2012-13 supplementary budget from June this year. Main Expenditure Group (Total spending) Budget 2013-14 Change from 2012-13 Supplementary Budget ...

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Assembly Welsh Premier League Inquiry

Full houses at Welsh Premier grounds are rare. Our national football league has always been poorly sold and poorly supported by the FAW and other authorities. (Pic : Welshpremier.com) The Welsh Premier League (WPL) is a much-maligned creature. Attendances are woeful, the standard of football leaves a lot to be desired...

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