Senedd Watch - May 2013

The Welsh Government introduced the Further & Higher Education (Governance and Information) Bill. The Bill grants further education colleges powers to merge, dissolve themselves and change their governance arrangements. If passed, Welsh Ministers will also be supplied data relevant to student finance from HMRC. During a Welsh Conservative debate, Shadow Health Spokesman, Darren Millar AM (Con, Clwyd West), suggested issuing fines for missed...

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Twinning the Nation II - What can Wales learn?

Following on from the first post, it's time to look at what things Wales can learn from our "international twins".FinlandTreasure your "Small Nation Stars" – The Flotilla Effect noted one advantage smaller countries hold (combined with openness to trade) is enough concentrated effort to develop world-beating specialisms,...

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Twinning the Nation - What nations are like Wales?

Which nations around the world are similar to Wales? What can we learn from them? In two parts, I'll try to address both. (Pic : nationsonline.org) I'll hopefully look at a Welsh foreign policy, diplomacy and international relations in more detail - a la defence & local government - next year. I suppose the next two...

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Bridgend regeneration reaches halfway point

Back in 2010, the previous "One Wales" Welsh Government announced a £7.7million package of European, Lottery and Welsh Government match-funding to improve the physical environment of a half-dozen streets in Bridgend town centre. This has coincided with other developments, like the redevelopment of Bridgend Recreation Centre...

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Active Travel Bill - Learning lessons from elsewhere

"Build it and they won't come?" Is the Active Travel Bill a missed opportunity to match education - and incentives to push modal shift - with improved cycling facilities? (Pic : roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com) The Active Travel Bill was introduced earlier this year, and is currently making its way through the first committee...

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Seven points, one Plan C

Leanne Wood recently launched Plaid Cymru's alternative - but familiar sounding - plan for the Welsh economy. (Pic : ITV Wales) During their 2012 autumn conference, Plaid Cymru discussed plans for procurement reform, coinciding with the release of a major review. The party dubbed it "Plan C", but there was nothing concrete...

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