National Assembly for Wales

This is not a devolved matter; therefore, the Welsh Government has not been invited to attend this meeting or been involved in any of the discussions about the campaign.

 I have published a list of all schemes which we have allocated funding for in this current financial year, this can be found at the following link:

Wales: Flood and Coastal Capital Investment 2022\u002D23 | DataMapWales (gov.wales)

It is for the relevant Risk Management Authority, either the Local Authority or Natural Resources Wales (NRW), to put forward schemes which reduce risk to homes for consideration for funding through the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programme.

NRW’s Severn Estuary Coastal Flood Risk Strategy (2011) identifies areas between Chepstow and Penarth for investigation over a 100-year period. This strategy identifies how the preferred policies identified in the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) may be delivered. NRW have undertaken improvement works at several locations identified within the strategy at:

• Portland Grounds (2016)
• Tabbs Gout (2016)
• Riverside, Newport (2011/12)

Within the current financial year, work along South Wales coastline includes the coastal risk management scheme being developed by Cardiff Council along Rover Way and a scheme at Stephenson Street in Newport being delivered by NRW.

Future works identified through NRW’s Strategy for the next 5 years include assessments of potential improvement works at Mathern, Sudbrook and Lamby Way.

We have an agreed capital budget of £34m per year for the next three years to invest in flood and coastal risk management measures to support communities around the whole of Wales at risk now and in the future. 

It is for the relevant Risk Management Authority, either the local authority or Natural Resources Wales, to assess the risks posed by flooding and coastal erosion including the impacts of climate change and, put forward schemes which reduce risk to homes for consideration for funding through the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programme.

Through the Co-operation Agreement, we have committed to work with the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales to assess the nationwide likelihood of flooding of homes, businesses and infrastructure across Wales and look at how this can be minimised by 2050. 

The Welsh Government has engaged with stakeholders including the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and e-scooter companies to understand their views and concerns.

Officials are liaising with the Department for Transport (DfT) in respect of proposals to permit and regulate the use of e-scooters. The majority of the powers to regulate the use of e-scooters are vested in the Secretary of State, rather than the Welsh Ministers, and the regulation of the construction and use of e-scooters in Wales is currently a reserved matter and therefore a matter on which the UK Parliament, rather than the Senedd, can legislate.     

Engagement has taken place at official level relating to understanding the opportunity for local authorities in Wales to participate in the DfT e-scooter trials. A DfT official has previously attended a round table discussion with myself and stakeholders on the potential introduction of e-scooters in Wales.  

In order to permit e-scooters to be used in trials in Wales it would be necessary to amend the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (“TSRGD 2016”). Other relevant regulations, the Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998, the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 and the Roads Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002, were amended to permit e-scooters to be used in trials in Great Britain by virtue of the Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020, but the amendments to the TSRGD 2016 made by that instrument only extended to England. It is for the Welsh Ministers to amend the TSRGD 2016, as it applies to Wales, if e-scooter trials are to be permitted in Wales.

In terms of permitting the use of e-scooters in Wales more broadly, not just as part of a trial, it will be necessary to consider what further legislative changes may be required. This will be dependent on the specific detail of any policy proposals developed in this regard.

The Welsh Government has engaged with stakeholders including the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and e-scooter companies to understand their views and concerns.

Officials are liaising with the Department for Transport (DfT) in respect of proposals to permit and regulate the use of e-scooters. The majority of the powers to regulate the use of e-scooters are vested in the Secretary of State, rather than the Welsh Ministers, and the regulation of the construction and use of e-scooters in Wales is currently a reserved matter and therefore a matter on which the UK Parliament, rather than the Senedd, can legislate.     

Engagement has taken place at official level relating to understanding the opportunity for local authorities in Wales to participate in the DfT e-scooter trials. A DfT official has previously attended a round table discussion with myself and stakeholders on the potential introduction of e-scooters in Wales.  

In order to permit e-scooters to be used in trials in Wales it would be necessary to amend the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (“TSRGD 2016”). Other relevant regulations, the Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998, the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 and the Roads Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002, were amended to permit e-scooters to be used in trials in Great Britain by virtue of the Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020, but the amendments to the TSRGD 2016 made by that instrument only extended to England. It is for the Welsh Ministers to amend the TSRGD 2016, as it applies to Wales, if e-scooter trials are to be permitted in Wales.

In terms of permitting the use of e-scooters in Wales more broadly, not just as part of a trial, it will be necessary to consider what further legislative changes may be required. This will be dependent on the specific detail of any policy proposals developed in this regard.

The Welsh Government has engaged with stakeholders including the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and e-scooter companies to understand their views and concerns.

Officials are liaising with the Department for Transport (DfT) in respect of proposals to permit and regulate the use of e-scooters. The majority of the powers to regulate the use of e-scooters are vested in the Secretary of State, rather than the Welsh Ministers, and the regulation of the construction and use of e-scooters in Wales is currently a reserved matter and therefore a matter on which the UK Parliament, rather than the Senedd, can legislate.     

Engagement has taken place at official level relating to understanding the opportunity for local authorities in Wales to participate in the DfT e-scooter trials. A DfT official has previously attended a round table discussion with myself and stakeholders on the potential introduction of e-scooters in Wales.  

In order to permit e-scooters to be used in trials in Wales it would be necessary to amend the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (“TSRGD 2016”). Other relevant regulations, the Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998, the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 and the Roads Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002, were amended to permit e-scooters to be used in trials in Great Britain by virtue of the Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020, but the amendments to the TSRGD 2016 made by that instrument only extended to England. It is for the Welsh Ministers to amend the TSRGD 2016, as it applies to Wales, if e-scooter trials are to be permitted in Wales.

In terms of permitting the use of e-scooters in Wales more broadly, not just as part of a trial, it will be necessary to consider what further legislative changes may be required. This will be dependent on the specific detail of any policy proposals developed in this regard.

In Wales, decisions on the availability of medicines are guided by the advice of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group. 

The New Treatment Fund ensures medicines recommended by NICE and AWMSG are routinely available within 60 days of their first recommendation. This includes new and innovative medicines for all conditions, including those NICE recommend for use under managed access arrangements.  Since its launch 420 new treatments have been made available through the fund, with the average time to make a new medicine available in Wales just 15 days.

The Rare Disease Implementation Group (RDIG), following the publication of the UK rare disease framework in January 2021, has developed a rare disease implementation plan which is is expected to publish next week.

Within the plan there are a number of actions including the development of exemplar pathways and evaluating the pilot of the Syndrome Without A Name (SWAN) clinic. The SWAN clinic is open to paediatric or adult referrals across Wales and aims to improve the diagnostic journey, the coordination of care and access to specialist care, and increase rare disease awareness among healthcare professionals. There are no plans to pilot any further services at this time.

The aim of the plan is to improve the outcomes for all rare disease patients regardless of their condition. It is not possible to provide pathways or services for every rare condition in Wales and some people will need to access treatment at specialist centres in England.

The Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) has a clear process in place for the evaluation and prioritisation of new specialised services, which is undertaken on an annual basis.

RDIG, in conjunction with WHSCC, health boards and other partner organisations, will be responsible for the prioritisation, delivery and oversight of the plan.

The Rare Disease Implementation Group (RDIG), following the publication of the UK rare disease framework in January 2021, has developed a rare disease implementation plan which is is expected to publish next week.

Within the plan there are a number of actions including the development of exemplar pathways and evaluating the pilot of the Syndrome Without A Name (SWAN) clinic. The SWAN clinic is open to paediatric or adult referrals across Wales and aims to improve the diagnostic journey, the coordination of care and access to specialist care, and increase rare disease awareness among healthcare professionals. There are no plans to pilot any further services at this time.

The aim of the plan is to improve the outcomes for all rare disease patients regardless of their condition. It is not possible to provide pathways or services for every rare condition in Wales and some people will need to access treatment at specialist centres in England.

The Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) has a clear process in place for the evaluation and prioritisation of new specialised services, which is undertaken on an annual basis.

RDIG, in conjunction with WHSCC, health boards and other partner organisations, will be responsible for the prioritisation, delivery and oversight of the plan.

The Welsh Government does not hold data on the percentage of dental practices accepting and providing appointments for new NHS patients. These data will vary as access to dental services fluctuates, being dependent on the capacity of individual practices, contractual commitments and at the present time the consequences of the pandemic.

However, 322 NHS contracts opted into contract reform from April 2022, which accounts for 89% of the total NHS contract value. As part of the new contract reform metrics, these practices will be expected to provide access for 5 new or urgent patients every week per £170K of contract value.

A “new patient” is inclusive of any individual who has an NHS number, this includes adults, school children and children or young people with learning disabilities.

The Welsh Government does not hold data on the percentage of dental practices accepting and providing appointments for new NHS patients. These data will vary as access to dental services fluctuates, being dependent on the capacity of individual practices, contractual commitments and at the present time the consequences of the pandemic.

However, 322 NHS contracts opted into contract reform from April 2022, which accounts for 89% of the total NHS contract value. As part of the new contract reform metrics, these practices will be expected to provide access for 5 new or urgent patients every week per £170K of contract value.

A “new patient” is inclusive of any individual who has an NHS number, this includes adults, school children and children or young people with learning disabilities.

The Welsh Government does not hold data on the percentage of dental practices accepting and providing appointments for new NHS patients. These data will vary as access to dental services fluctuates, being dependent on the capacity of individual practices, contractual commitments and at the present time the consequences of the pandemic.

However, 322 NHS contracts opted into contract reform from April 2022, which accounts for 89% of the total NHS contract value. As part of the new contract reform metrics, these practices will be expected to provide access for 5 new or urgent patients every week per £170K of contract value.

A “new patient” is inclusive of any individual who has an NHS number, this includes adults, school children and children or young people with learning disabilities.

The Welsh Government does not hold data on the activities of private dental practices in Wales.

The Welsh Government does not hold data on the activities of private dental practices in Wales.

The Welsh Government does not hold data on the activities of private dental practices in Wales.

The Welsh Government does not hold this information. However, information about this condition at a European level is available on the Orphanet Portal, which indicates a prevalence of about 1 in 20,000:

Orphanet: X linked hypophosphatemia

We have, together with the other governments in the UK, published a Rare Diseases Framework which will help people with rare conditions to access earlier diagnoses and treatments. There will be a Welsh plan to implement the framework in Wales.

UK rare diseases framework | GOV.WALES

The number of contracts dental practices hold with Health Boards to provide NHS care is shown in the table below:

Practices hold responsibility for providing care to their historic patient base, which includes patients who are charge exempt. A charge exempt patient without a practice may also attend any practice that is accepting new patients. A “new patient” is inclusive of any individual who has an NHS number which includes charge-exempt patients.

Health boards hold the responsibility for provision of dental services and managing access for people who do not currently have a dentist. Anyone seeking NHS dental care should contact their Health Board who will be able to advise which practices are accepting new patients and the likely time patients will need to wait for an appointment. If dental treatment is urgent or the patient is in pain there is provision in place to provide care quickly. However, there is likely to be a delay for new patients looking to access routine care.

In relation to your question on the number of patient pathways waiting specifically for an elective surgical procedure, the Welsh Government does not hold this level of detail.

A proxy for numbers waiting for treatment is those at stage 4 of the referral to treatment pathway.  This data can be found on the StatsWales website

Patient pathways waiting to start treatment by month, grouped weeks and stage of pathway (gov.wales)

The data on the StatsWales website can also be broken down by speciality, but not by specific procedure.

In relation to your question on assessment of impact of waits on health inequalities,  I was clear that this was a priority area within the planned care recovery plan.  There is a commitment to ensure any impact on inequalities from length of waits is reduced and that local and national service redesign identifies and addresses the appropriate needs.

In relation to your question on the number of patient pathways waiting specifically for an elective surgical procedure, the Welsh Government does not hold this level of detail.

A proxy for numbers waiting for treatment is those at stage 4 of the referral to treatment pathway.  This data can be found on the StatsWales website

Patient pathways waiting to start treatment by month, grouped weeks and stage of pathway (gov.wales)

The data on the StatsWales website can also be broken down by speciality, but not by specific procedure.

In relation to your question on assessment of impact of waits on health inequalities,  I was clear that this was a priority area within the planned care recovery plan.  There is a commitment to ensure any impact on inequalities from length of waits is reduced and that local and national service redesign identifies and addresses the appropriate needs.

In relation to your question on the number of patient pathways waiting specifically for an elective surgical procedure, the Welsh Government does not hold this level of detail.

A proxy for numbers waiting for treatment is those at stage 4 of the referral to treatment pathway.  This data can be found on the StatsWales website

Patient pathways waiting to start treatment by month, grouped weeks and stage of pathway (gov.wales)

The data on the StatsWales website can also be broken down by speciality, but not by specific procedure.

In relation to your question on assessment of impact of waits on health inequalities,  I was clear that this was a priority area within the planned care recovery plan.  There is a commitment to ensure any impact on inequalities from length of waits is reduced and that local and national service redesign identifies and addresses the appropriate needs.

The NICE guideline on pernicious anaemia is still in development.

NICE advises us the final version of the scope was published in December 2021 and the guideline committee met in January 2022. The committee will need to meet several times over the next year to develop the guideline further.

A draft version of the guideline is due to be sent to stakeholders for consultation between 10 May 2023 and 22 June 2023. The guideline developer will then consider comments from stakeholders and agree any changes before publishing the final version, expected in November 2023.

I understand arrangements are being made for me to meet with the Pernicious Anaemia Society, in the meantime I have asked my officials to make contact with members to discuss their ideas.

The NICE guideline on pernicious anaemia is still in development.

NICE advises us the final version of the scope was published in December 2021 and the guideline committee met in January 2022. The committee will need to meet several times over the next year to develop the guideline further.

A draft version of the guideline is due to be sent to stakeholders for consultation between 10 May 2023 and 22 June 2023. The guideline developer will then consider comments from stakeholders and agree any changes before publishing the final version, expected in November 2023.

I understand arrangements are being made for me to meet with the Pernicious Anaemia Society, in the meantime I have asked my officials to make contact with members to discuss their ideas.

Cystic Fibrosis services provided by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have worked hard to maintain access to psychology services over the last two years and have offered virtual services in addition to the assessments as part of patients’ annual review.

There have been some staff changes within the services and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is actively recruiting into the current vacancy and intends to appoint someone shortly.

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