Committees Bite Size #3: March 2017

Here's another round up of some of the committee inquiry reports that've come out of the Senedd over the last few weeks, including: ovarian cancer screening, two Stage One reports on Welsh laws, the Kancoat grant scandal and support for ethnic minority and traveller school pupils.

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The Welsh Economy: On Solid Foundations?

  (Pic : via geograph.org.uk
© Copyright Kev Griffin and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.)

The latest backbench member's debate – held this afternoon – focused on the "foundational economy". No, I'd never heard of the term either, but if you care about the future of the Welsh economy it's worth paying attention to.

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FMQs: Aid, Air & Dogs

After last weekend's “excitement” I was hoping to return to normality. Plaid's Assembly Group have dealt with the issue in a refreshingly swift and professional manner even if – despite what I wrote on Sunday - a suspension seems too strong. As far as I'm concerned the matter's closed.

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Senedd Watch - February 2017

• The UK House of Commons approved a Bill authorising the activation of Article 50 - granting the Prime Minister leave to the start the EU withdrawal process - by 498 votes to 114 on February 1^st. 10 Welsh MPs from Plaid Cymru, Lib Dems and Labour voted against the Bill.
• The UK Government published its Brexit white paper on February 2^nd. Proposals include: migration controls, maintaining the Common Travel Area with Ireland, securing rights and status of EU nationals in the UK (and vice versa) and a bespoke UK-EU free trade agreement.
• Finance & Local Government Secretary, Mark Drakeford (Lab, Cardiff West), called for Wales to retain access to the European Investment Bank saying, “We are facing unprecedented challenges in terms of public finances so it's vitally important we unlock all opportunities to boost investment.”
• Eluned Morgan AM (Lab, Mid & West Wales) warned that Welsh ferry ports could lose traffic to Irish Sea ports in Scotland and Northern Ireland if the UK leaves the EU customs union. She said it would require, “more money, more infrastructure and more red tape”.
• Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon & Radnor), announced higher education funding body, HEFCW, will be scrapped following an independent review. A new organisation will be established to fund universities, further education colleges, research and skills.
• The Assembly's Culture Committee's review of Welsh broadcasting recommended the BBC commit to spending £30million on English language broadcasting, that Welsh news opt-outs be provided on Radio 1 and Radio 2 and S4C's funding be protected. On 21^st February, BBC Director-General Tony Hall announced an additional £8.5million towards English language programming in Wales.
• The Llywydd, Elin Jones (Plaid, Ceredigion), admitted to BBC Wales that despite new powers “stretching” AM workloads, the argument for Assembly expansion was “difficult”. An expert panel chaired by Prof. Laura McAllister was established to explore electoral reform and is due to report in Autumn 2017.
• A report by the think-tank Gorwel revealed 44% of AMs had previously been councillors, despite the proportion of the population who've done the same being less than 0.1%. Also, only 16% of sitting AMs had been employed in the private sector despite the sector representing 68% of the workforce.
• UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales), wrote to the Llywydd saying it was "highly irresponsible" to block any Senedd visit by US President Donald Trump, as it could put investment at risk. He also warned her "display of impartiality" could lead to calls for her to stand down. It came as Elin Jones supported a ban on Trump speaking at Westminster on social media.
• Suzy Davies AM (Con, South Wales West) introduced member's legislative proposal motion calling for life-saving skills to be compulsory in the Welsh curriculum. She said, "Schools can do this now....but take-up is not huge." The Assembly backed the proposal by 33 votes to 3 with 17 abstentions on February 8^th.
• The Welsh Government said they would look in detail at revised financial plans for the Circuit of Wales motor sports development in Blaenau Gwent before giving backing to the project, after the company behind the £425million scheme revealed the names of possible investors. A due diligence process lasting 6 weeks will be necessary before a final decision is made.
• The UK High Court ruled a proposed £84million takeover of Dee Valley Water by Coventry-based Severn Trent could proceed following a dispute over a shareholder vote. Llyr Gruffydd AM (Plaid, North Wales) disagreed with the ruling saying, “Small shareholders have been disregarded.....while big corporate shareholders will be laughing all the way to the bank.”
• Citizens Advice Cymru called for employers to end workplace discrimination against disabled people after it was revealed just 43% of people of working age Welsh people with a disability or long-term condition were employed compared to 79% of non-disabled.
• The Public Accounts Committee criticised a Welsh Government decision to award Swansea-based Kancoat £3.4million between 2012 and 2014, despite warnings from financial advisers that the company was in serious trouble, later going into administration. The Committee recommended decisions that go against official advice be documented.
• Minister for Public Health & Social Services, Rebecca Evans (Lab, Gower), suspended the Chair and Vice-Chair of Sports Wales and reinstated the rest of the board following a ministerial review after a damning internal report in 2016. The Minister said the decision was due to a serious breakdown in inter-personal relations.
• Communities Secretary, Carl Sargeant (Lab, Alyn & Deeside), announced the process by which Communities First will be phased out. Funding will be cut by 30% until April 2018 with a £6million legacy fund for well-performing projects after that.
• Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood AM (Plaid, Rhondda), accused the Secretary of “walking away from our poorest communities”, while Mike Hedges AM (Lab, Swansea East) said many schemes in his constituency would end - claims the Secretary rejected as “frightening people”.
• Tata Steel employees backed a deal tabled by the company – which will involve a conditional £1billion investment and controversial changes to pension schemes – by 72% to 28% on February 15^th. The General Secretary of the Community union said the vote, “provides a mandate....to move forward in our discussions with Tata and find a sustainable solution for the British Steel Pension Scheme.”
• A Freedom of Information request revealed Michelle Brown AM (UKIP, North Wales) asked the Assembly Commission if a job advert for a staff member could be altered to prevent her brother being sifted out of potential candidates. The job wasn't filled. It came weeks after it was also revealed the AM was fined for “illegally smoking” at a Cardiff hotel in May 2016.
• A concessionary bus travel pilot scheme for 16-18 year olds, which was originally due to be scrapped in March 2017, was reinstated. Funding will be extended until 2018 when a new youth travel pass will be launched. The Conservatives said the “u-turn” was an example of Welsh Government mismanagement.
• Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, said the proposed Newport M4 bypass shouldn't go ahead over concerns about the amount of borrowing required to fund the project and because it didn't provide a “long-term, sustainable solution” to problems resulting from Brynglas Tunnel congestion.
• Ofcom were asked to investigate how a public affairs company, Deryn, were awarded a monitoring contract without prior tendering, and whilst having two directors sit on Ofcom's advisory board. Neil McEvoy AM (Plaid, South Wales Central) said, “It’s impossible to know whether Deryn offered the public value for money since no other companies were able to bid for the contract.”
• The OECD backed reforms to the Welsh National Curriculum in a report released on February 28^th. The new curriculum is set to be in place by 2021, with the OECD saying the changes should be underpinned by continued investment. The Education Secretary told the Senedd, “We can use our size as an advantage in ensuring coherence, confidence and a truly national commitment to reform”.

Projects announced in February include: a £10million loan scheme to bring derelict buildings back into use; the launch of £10,000 a year postgraduate student loans from August 2017; a £1million music endowment fund; a £104million programme to improve energy efficiency of 25,000 homes in deprived areas; a £10million business rate relief scheme; a £95million package for health care education and training and a £14million upgrade of A&E facilities at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

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FMQs: GMC, MS & FGM

Following the half term break, the Senedd reconvened with First Minister's Questions....

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FMQs: No Love Lost

The increasingly fractious row over Carmarthenshire Council's decision to make Llangennech School Welsh-medium-only continues. Plus, other questions on climate change, scams/cold calling and the Welsh Government “leaning” on lobbyists and the Third Sector.

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Committees Bite Size #2: February 2017

Here's my second summarised round-up of some of the Assembly's committee inquiries over the last few months, including: domestic violence, the National Infrastructure Committee, the state of broadcasting, statutory advocacy services for vulnerable children and implementation of the new National Curriculum.

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FMQs: Teachers, Llangennech & Bridgend Ford

A refreshingly Brexit-light edition of First Minister's Questions this afternoon.

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How will Brexit impact Wales?

(Pic : BBC Wales)

After 6 months of evidence-taking, the Assembly's External Affairs Committee recently published its report on the implications of Brexit (pdf). It's not light reading, but whether you voted for Brexit or not you deserve to be told what's happening behind the scenes.

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Senedd Watch - January 2017

• UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, confirmed the UK will leave the EU single market (aka. “Hard Brexit”) with a UK-EU deal to ensure “free trade”, maintenance of the UK-Irish common travel area and relevant customs agreements.
• The First Minister repeated calls for Wales to retain “full and unfettered” access to the EU single market post-Brexit during a three-day trade mission to Norway. He said, "Failure to maintain full access, free of tariffs....could make....securing investment more difficult."
• Jonathan Edwards MP (Plaid, Carms. E & Dinefwr) described the possibility of “Hard Brexit” as the “greatest job-killing act in Welsh history”. Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central), didn't believe Wales would suffer serious economic damage.
• The Farmers Union of Wales warned that a post-Brexit free trade agreement between the UK and New Zealand could “price Welsh lamb off the shelves”. Paul Davies AM (Con, Preseli Pembs.) said farmers had to “stay positive” and see that Brexit could present opportunities.
• On January 24^th, the Supreme Court ruled the UK Parliament must vote to start the Brexit process (activate Article 50) after the UK Government lost their appeal against a High Court judgement in December 2016. A “Brexit Bill” was introduced on January 26^th.
• The Supreme Court also ruled the devolved administrations do not need to be legally consulted on Article 50. Counsel General, Mick Antoniw (Lab, Pontypridd), defended the £84,000 cost of the Welsh Government's legal challenge because, "The voice of Wales within the UK constitution is priceless."
• The Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru launched a joint white paper on a post-Brexit plan, Securing Wales' Future, which proposed: continued participation in the single market, free movement for immigrants with a job and guarantees on post-Brexit funding.
• The Assembly's External Affairs Committee report into the implications of Brexit recommended the Welsh Government provide their evidence base for their white paper, and that they press the UK Government to ensure Wales has a presence in negotiations involving devolved matters.
• At a meeting of the UK's Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) in Cardiff on January 30^th, the Prime Minister promised there would be no roll back of devolved powers. The First Minister described the talks as “constructive”, but warned that the devolved administrations need to be listened to.
• DrugAid Cymru said deaths relating to heroin were expected to rise in 2017 due to increased strength/purity and a large number of users who are unknown to services. They joined calls to introduce rooms to allow addicts to inject under medical supervision.
• An all-party group of Westminster MPs suggested Wales-only rules on immigration could be “considered”, based on a model in Quebec. The UK Government said in response that different rules for different nations could cause confusion for employers. Steffan Lewis AM (Plaid, South Wales East) argued for a Welsh visa system to recruit health workers.
• Minister for Lifelong Learning & Welsh Language, Alun Davies (Lab, Blaenau Gwent), announced regulations that introduced standards for Welsh language public services will be reviewed saying, “They can be too complicated at times, both the process of designing and implementing."
• Adam Price AM (Plaid, Carms. E. & Dinefwr) recommended Tata Steel employees reject a tabled pensions deal – part of a package to secure the medium-term future of the company's plants. He described the deal as “opportunistic”, saying the company has used the 2015-16 crisis to “pressure workers”.
• Unison criticised what they described as “political interference” in the ballot process, with a union official quoted as saying, “There are personal decisions to make but also the future of the steel industry to consider. We'd like politicians to keep their opinions to themselves for the time being.”
• Landlords called for the Welsh Government to remove an additional 3% levy on stamp duty for buy-to-let purchases under the proposed land transaction tax. The Residential Landlord Association believe it will push up rents and doesn't take into account refurbishment investments.
• The final budget for 2017-18 – the result of an agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru - was passed by the National Assembly by 27 votes to 17 with 8 abstentions on January 10^th.
• Lee Waters AM (Lab, Llanelli) warned against“pork barrel politics” with budgets hinging on local deals and agreements at the expense long-term planning. Adam Price AM hit back, accusing AMs of “sneering” at budget deals that help often neglected parts of Wales.
• A UK Government-backed review supported the construction of a £1.3billion tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, believing it would make a “strong contribution” to the UK's energy supply and presents a “significant economic opportunity”.
• The UK Government announced Severn Crossing tolls will fall from £6.70 per crossing to £3 for cars, vans and small buses when the bridges transfer to public ownership in 2018. Options being considered include a free-flowing £1.50 each-way toll (tolls currently only apply westbound) and toll-free use between 10pm and 6am.
• Mark Reckless AM (UKIP, South Wales East) argued that clauses in previous legislation meant the imposition of tolls post-public ownership was “unlawful”. He called for the Welsh Government to consider a legal challenge. Economy & Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South), said the decision to continue tolling was “baffling”.
• Conservative economy spokesperson, Russell George AM (Con, Montgomery), accused the Welsh Government of “hypocrisy” for not actively considering scrapping Cleddau Bridge tolls after Pembrokeshire Council decided to maintain the tolls in May 2016.
• The National Assembly approved a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) for the Wales Bill on January 17^th by 38 votes to 17. The Act will change the devolution settlement and devolve income tax-varying powers without a referendum. Plaid Cymru and UKIP voted against; the former because of concerns over rolling back powers, the latter because of the removal of an income tax referendum.
• The Welsh Government introduced the Trade Union Bill on January 17^th, with the aim of reversing measures in UK law which place limitations on strike action and require heightened monitoring of union activity. The UK Government warned that industrial relations law was non-devolved.
• Estyn's annual report said teaching standards were the weakest aspect of education in Wales, with teaching “good” or “better” in only a minority of secondary schools. Also, in a third of primary schools more able children underachieved because the work wasn't challenging enough. Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon & Radnor) said, “I remain committed to the ambition of providing all teachers and leaders with the right skills and knowledge.”
• Senior civil servant, Dr Manon Antoniazzi, was appointed Chief Executive of the National Assembly, replacing Claire Clancy in April 2017. The Llywydd, Elin Jones (Plaid, Ceredigion) said, "I'm delighted....Manon has accepted the challenge to lead the organisation through the next phase of our development....I would also like to thank Claire....for the outstanding leadership she has provided over the past ten years”.
• The Senedd unanimously backed a motion calling for the UK Government to launch a public inquiry into the 1970s-80s contaminated blood scandal, which affected 273 people in Wales. Patients with blood disorders were infected with hepatitis C and HIV after American suppliers failed to screen blood batches for disease, with successive UK governments denying any responsibility.
• A Royal College of Paediatrics report said poverty was the biggest threat to childrens' health in Wales. The report's author stressed the need for public health messages on smoking, alcohol and diet get through and that adequate resources were provided.
• The Welsh Government published a white paper on new proposals for local government reform, which included lowering the voting age to 16, further consultation on introducing single transferable vote for local elections and regional collaboration between local authorities.

Projects announced in January include: The launch of “lunch and fun” summer holiday clubs in deprived parts of Wales; £4million to improve school results in science and technology; the launch of an £80million “new treatments fund”; £31million towards maternity service improvements in Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil and a £36million fund to reduce infant class sizes and raise standards.

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FMQs: Trump Ban, Cancer & Tidal Lagoons

For most of this afternoon's FMQs, you would think you were following a parliamentary session in an independent country: foreign policy, condemnation of foreign governments, state visits, discussion of immigration, how to win the battle against Islamic State – and Carwyn Jones was using the language of a Prime Minister, not a regional premier.

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Tainted Blood

(Pic : ITV)

The latest member's debate covers what was once described by Prof. Robert Winston as one of the worst disasters in NHS history.

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FMQs: Trains, Schools & Fraud

The big story is the Supreme Court's ruling that the UK Parliament must vote to start the Brexit process (“activate Article 50”) instead of it being left to the UK Government.

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Making sense of the "Sardine Express"

(Pic : Wales Online)

It could be written off as dredging social media for stories, but numerous reports over the last couple of months regarding overcrowded Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) services in and out of Cardiff - as well as some longer-distance services to and from Swansea - display what's becoming a very serious problem.

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Trade Union Bill: Senedd picks a fight

(Pic : Wales Online)

The latest - and slightly controversial - Welsh law was introduced by Finance & Local Government Secretary, Mark Drakeford (Lab, Cardiff West) earlier this week.

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FMQs: Brexit, Trains & Disability

There are two big non-FMQ related stories today. Firstly, the Senedd voting on a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) for the Wales Bill. It's expected to pass and there's little to add. Just cross your fingers and hope AMs haven't been sold magic beans (either way).

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FMQs: Norway, Steel & Bird Flu

It may be a new year, but one of the constants in the world is getting the same old stuff from the Senedd. Even if this site isn't considered good enough anymore, my thankless gruntwork continues for now (as promised) – though regular readers will notice I'm going to pull back the throttle over these next/final few months.

As everyone's persistently whinging that Assembly proceedings are dull, I've decided to liven things up a bit by providing a relevant "invigorating soundtrack" in lieu of Senedd TV. 😈

FMQs, 10^th January 2017

Party Leaders

Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood (Plaid, Rhondda) called back to September (Mindfulness, Tourism & Winter is Coming), where she asked the First Minister about Child & Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) waiting times. He told her resources had been put in and waiting times will reduce. Leanne pointed to statistics saying the numbers waiting 16 weeks+ got slightly worse over the year, and the threshold to receive treatment was too high, resulting in patients being turned away. When could people expect improvements?

The First Minister told her the number of CAMHS admissions has stayed steady, with new money expected to make a difference. He stood by his view that children are being added to waiting lists without cause; CAMHS is an acute service, he wouldn't expect children to be referred to it automatically - they should/would go to a GP first.

Conservative leader, Andrew Davies (Con, South Wales Central), highlighted the considerable speculation over merits of the Tata Steel deal (here) – subject to a union ballot this month. It was important to understand the gravity of the situation as workers are being asked to give up something (pensions will be changed) in return for job security.

Before Christmas the First Minister said it was, “a deal (we) can endorse”; is that still his opinion? What would the consequences be if the deal were rejected (as suggested by Plaid Cymru)?

Carwyn was aware of members' concerns on pensions (raised in an earlier question), but there's "no Plan B", admitting (with unusual frankness) that,“it's this plan or no plan”. Other consortia interested in taking over Tata's operations were as concerned about pensions too. He was, however, disappointed the UK Government haven't taken as keen an interest in steel since Theresa May came to power.

UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton (UKIP, Mid & West Wales), asked what conclusions the First Minister drew from his recent fact-finding trip to Norway, particularly with regard free-movement? The reality is 508 million Europeans have a right to move to the UK and EEA membership would mean the same. He suggested a visit to South Korea, where they've agreed an EU free trade agreement without the burden of free movement.

The First Minister accepted Norway may not support EU membership but does support EEA membership (see more: What sort of Brexit suits Wales?). The rules are applied in Norway to allow freedom of movement for labour/workers – something he believes the UK public may support as a reasonable option.

Free trade agreements take years to negotiate, and officials he's spoken to find a two year timetable for a UK-EU free trade agreement “laughable”.

Backbenchers

Sian Gwenllian AM (Plaid, Arfon) asked how regional economic policies will sit alongside the ambition to have a million Welsh-speakers by 2050? Social and economic opportunities are essential, and national/public institutions (she suggested the Welsh Revenue Authority) should be established in Welsh-speaking areas.

The Welsh Government have consulted on the draft vision, with a finalised document discussing the relationship between economic development and the Welsh language. The First Minister asked officials to consider basing public bodies outside Cardiff, including the Caernarfon area or elsewhere in Wales.

Adam Price AM (Plaid, Carms. E. & Dinefwr) asked what plans the Welsh Government had to promote Welsh goods/produce to Welsh consumers? Many countries have an official “country of origin” brand for consumers. Can we have a strong brand for Wales to withstand the “economic lunacy of Westminster”?

The Welsh Government have taken a a number of actions, including working alongside the National Procurement Services to increase Welsh produce in the public sector. Welsh produce now has far better label than 15 years ago, and a “Brand Wales” may be advantageous to some companies but not to others. Carwyn stressed the importance of not having tarrifs applied to Welsh food and drink exports to the EU.

Joyce Watson AM (Lab, Mid & West Wales) asked for an update on the recent confirmed outbreak of avian flu in Wales. She praised the actions of Llanelli Wetland Centre for closing its doors to the public when the virus was detected to prevent its spread.

The First Minister described it as a matter of serious concern, with work undertaken with other governments to co-ordinate action. The Welsh Government's advice is updated continuously, and he called for those who work with birds to check it regularly.

Urgent Questions

Rhun ap Iorwerth AM (Plaid, Ynys Môn) asked for a statement on the Royal College of Emergency Medicine comments that emergency care in Wales was in a “state of crisis”. Figures from November 2016 showed only 77% of A&E patients were seen in 4 hours, and this was likely to get worse. Didn't the Health Secretary think it was an embarrassing situation for Labour colleagues in Westminster trying to attack Jeremy Hunt over recent bad headlines?

Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth), praised staff, who always face pressure in winter and who he didn't want to see demoralised. He rejected any idea there was a “crisis”, but accepted there were very real pressures.

We all need to think sensibly and be accurate in our language about where we are in Wales; England runs different systems and Wales has avoided the headline-grabbing comments from the Red Cross and hasn't seen as harsh cuts in care budgets. Objectively-speaking we're in a better position than we were last year.

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Senedd Watch - December 2016

• A BBC Wales investigation found local health board spending on non-permanent and agency staff rose from £64million in 2013-14 to £137million in 2015-16 – an increase of 114%. BMA Cymru said the use of locums stemmed from “bad workforce practices and poor planning”. The Welsh Government recognised challenges in medical recruitment but the problems “weren't unique to Wales”.
• The Wales Refugee Council criticised “sub-standard” accommodation provided to Wales' 2,500 asylum seekers. Clearsprings Ready Homes - which provide all asylum accommodation in Wales – has a £119million contract with the UK Home Office to supply the homes and refused to comment.
• A Wales Audit Office report into the National Library of Wales criticised a lack of transparency between staff and management. The library's income fell 17% over the last several years, with the use of reserves to prop up finances dubbed “unsustainable”. President of the library, Rhodri Glyn-Thomas, said the institution was “broadly on the right path”.
• The Family Fund charity warned that 4,000 families with disabled children could miss out on grants after Welsh Government cuts. Funding for similar schemes in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland has been protected. The Welsh Government said it was the result of a merger of four different Third Sector grant schemes, with a decision to limit funding for any individual scheme to £1.5million a year.
• There was also criticism of the Welsh Government's decision to transfer responsibility for Independent Living Grants, which subsidises home care for the disabled, to local authorities. There were fears budget pressures will force local authorities to cut the £27million scheme.
• The Public Services Ombudsman upheld a complaint against Bridgend Council that a foster child's savings were “maladministered”. The person received only £270 when leaving care, and the Ombudsman ordered the council to repay £3,310. The report was submitted to the Welsh Government as it raised issues about savings of looked-after children.
• Wales continued to place bottom of the UK Home Nations in the latest round of OECD PISA tests, despite a 10 point improvement in mathematics. Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon & Radnor), admitted the results were disappointing but said, “The easy thing to do would be rip up the plan and start again. But we owe it to our pupils, parents and the (teaching) profession to do what is right."
• A deal between Tata Steel and trade unions to secure the medium-term future of their steel plants in the UK was agreed in principle on December 7^th. The deal – subject to a ballot of union members – includes commitments: to keep two blast furnaces operational at Port Talbot, a provisional 10-year £1billion investment programme, avoiding compulsory redundancies for five years and a consultation on replacing the current pension with a "defined contribution" scheme.
• The First Minister welcomed the announcement, describing it as a "massive shot in the arm for the industry". The Welsh Government pledged to provide £4million in developing skills and training for Tata employees, with a wider package of support subject to further negotiation.
• Plaid Cymru economy spokesperson, Adam Price AM (Plaid, Carms. E & Dinefwr), believed the workforce's confidence in Tata's management had been "dented" through the year-long crisis. He also said the deal's ties to renegotiation of pensions sets "a very, very dangerous precedent".
• The Llywydd, Elin Jones (Plaid, Ceredigion), launched a consultation on a name change for the National Assembly. The options include: Welsh Parliament, Senedd and Parliament of Wales. The power to change the name will come with the Wales Bill and is expected to cost between £40,000 and £150,000. However, the public consultation was criticised for not enabling ethnic minority respondents to describe their nationality as Welsh – blamed on the use of 2011 Census data.
• A leaked letter revealed Network Rail estimate it would take 28 years for Welsh railways to be brought up to the required standard due to lack of investment. Economy & Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South), accused the company of not doing enough to clear tracks of leaves, which has increased in the number of trains taken out of service, leading to overcrowding and reduced punctuality.
• A Health Committee inquiry into NHS winter preparedness found only 46% of NHS staff were vaccinated against flu. The report also called for integration between health and social care and a review of home care. Committee Chair, Dai Lloyd AM (Plaid, South Wales West) said, "It is clear from the evidence....that the many pressures facing the NHS....are not restricted to a particular period or season but are....all year round”.
• The Communities & Local Government Committee inquiry into the effectiveness of the Domestic Violence Act 2015 recommended relationship education be included in the new National Curriculum and that proper resources were provided to groups supporting victims under the Act.
• Minister for Lifelong Learning, Alun Davies (Lab, Blaenau Gwent), introduced the Additional Learning Needs Bill on December 13^th. The Bill proposes every child with additional needs be provided with an individual plan, places a duty on local authorities to promote independent advocacy services and creates an Education Tribunal of Wales.
• The Assembly's Petitions Committee agreed to raise the signature threshold before they would consider a petition from 10 signatures to 50. It follows a report during the Fourth Assembly which said the move would discourage “nonsensical” petitions.
• Communities Secretary, Carl Sargeant (Lab, Alyn & Deeside), admitted that the Welsh Government's long-standing goal to end child poverty by 2020 will not be achieved, saying the Assembly didn't have the welfare powers needed to make a difference. He told the Assembly a new “whole-government approach” was required.
• Environment & Rural Affairs Secretary, Lesley Griffiths (Lab, Wrexham), said renewable energy progress in Wales was being frustrated by a “clear lack of policy” by the UK Government and a lack of clarity for the industry. Control over energy projects of up to 350MW are to be devolved in the Wales Bill, but the Secretary called for the power to offer financial incentives to be devolved too.
• Bethan Jenkins AM (Plaid, South Wales West) called for the introduction of a register for people convicted of animal abuse. She cited evidence that animal abuse was a sign of, or concurrent with, domestic violence and difficultues in tracking people who have been banned from keeping animals.
• Gross Value added (GVA) figures for 2015 revealed Wales saw the sharpest rise in GVA of the UK Home Nations (+2.8%) to £55.7billion, and that GVA-per-capita stood at £18,002 (71.3% of the UK average). However, this remained the lowest GVA-per-capita of the UK's 12 nations and regions.
• Plaid Cymru said the economy of some parts of Wales was “in freefall” and called for an emergency economic summit after Wales' wealthier areas – like Cardiff – remained below the UK average in GVA-per-capita. Adam Price AM said, “There seems to be a contagion in economic decline”.
• In their inquiry report on youth work and youth services, the Children & Young People's Committee believed the Welsh Government will find it difficult to deliver “universal” youth services. They recommended a refreshed national strategy and greater involvement by young people in developing services.
• A deal on a new fiscal framework for Wales was agreed on December 19^th. The agreement will double Welsh capital borrowing powers from £500million to £1billion and partially devolve of income tax varying powers in 2019 - with an appropriate adjustment to the Welsh budget.
• Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM (Ind, Dwyfor Meirionnydd) pledged to support the Welsh Government for the remainder of the Fifth Assembly, effectively giving Labour a working majority. It followed speculation he had been offered a cabinet position, resulting in Plaid Cymru threatening to withdraw from compact agreements.
• Freedom of Information data revealed NHS staff in Wales were subject to 18,000 assaults over the last five years. The Royal College of Nursing said, “It may not necessarily mean its getting worse....it may be the reporting is better, staff are being supported more to report these issues and address them.”
• The Welsh Government pledged to oppose moves to categorise housing associations as public sector bodies, following concerns that a public sector designation would restrict their ability to access private finance to build homes.

Projects announced in December include: An extra £30million towards a target of providing 20,000 affordable homes by 2021; an £11million naval reserve training facility in Cardiff Docks; plans to launch a Development Bank of Wales in the first half of 2017; a codification project to consolidate Welsh legislation; an additional £10million to help firms cope with changes to business rates; £16million towards hospital diagnostic equipment and a final go ahead for construction of a Llandeilo bypass, starting in 2019.

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