Senedd Watch - November 2014

Former Labour peer, Joel Barnett - creator of the (controversial) Barnett Formula, which determines public expenditure levels in the devolved administrations – died age 91 on November 1st. He was described as an “extraordinary individual” who did “his best to ensure the best for the people of this country”. Education Minister, Huw Lewis (Lab, Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney), launched a campaign to raise awareness of changes to GCSEs and A-Levels in...

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Mental health services for young people criticised

Mental health services are often inadequate for adults, being described as a "Cinderella service", meaning it's often ignored by a cruel stepmother (aka. the government).So what about younger people with mental illnesses?The National Assembly's Children & Young People Committee recently published its report (pdf) on...

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The £64,000 Question

I wouldn't ask the audience if I were you.... You probably know full well I don't like these sorts of stories, but I have to cover it as there are serious implications.As you're probably more than aware, the Independent Remuneration Board for the National Assembly has controversially recommended that Assembly Members' annual...

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The X-Factor

Since the Scottish referendum allowed 16 and 17 year olds to vote (an age group which includes most Year 11s, FE college students and sixth formers), discussion has ramped up in earnest about extending the franchise to this age group permanently.Llywydd Rosemary Butler (Lab, Newport West) launched her own drive on behalf...

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Assembly gives Wales mixed Tripadvisor review

On Thursday, the National Assembly's Business & Enterprise Committee launched its wide-ranging  report into the tourism industry (pdf).The Committee and Assembly staff undertook a series of away days over the summer, visiting new and established tourism businesses to collate their views. This ranged from the Llechwedd...

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Total Recall

If people darken my door demanding my signature because an AM has broken wind in a child's face or double parked, I might decide to get my ass to Mars. (Pic : mubi.com) During a lecture held by the Electoral Reform Society Wales earlier this week, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Kirsty Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon & Radnor), proposed...

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National Assembly debates veterans support

People who leave the armed forces after active service are sometimes at greater risk of developing mental illnesses, falling foul of the criminal justice system and homelessness. (Pic : UK Government) On Tuesday, the National Assembly debated Welsh Government support for armed forces personnel, which coincided with Armistice...

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