National Assembly for Wales

My Cabinet represents all of Wales.

Four Cabinet ministerial calls have been scheduled over the recess period.

The Emergency Alert system is non-devolved, therefore its operation is a matter for the UK Government’s Cabinet Office.

Implementation of the Defence Growth Deal is progressing through joint working between the Welsh Government, UK Government, industry and other partners. Governance arrangements have been established, including an Executive Board and supporting working groups, to oversee delivery of the Deal's objectives and coordinate activity across the priority workstreams.

The Welsh Government continues to work closely with the UK Government and industry partners to maximise the benefits of the Deal and ensure that the opportunities it creates support sustainable economic growth, innovation and quality jobs across Wales.

An ethical defence framework is being developed, informed by discussions with Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive counterparts, and will guide future engagement with the relevant sectors.

As we stated in our manifesto, the pilot will be aimed at young children whose parents are on Universal Credit.

The Decision Maker’s Guide is an internal, operational document that is shared between Welsh Government and NEC Software Solutions, the contractor who delivers the Discretionary Assistance Fund and will therefore not be published. The eligibility criteria is published at https://www.gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf/eligibility.

I have established an expert group to help lead on the design and delivery of the pilot. This will include legal, policy and delivery considerations and those considerations are on-going.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has rolled out the 12.5-hour funded childcare offer to all two-year-olds in Nelson.

This phase will be rolled out across the remaining areas of the local authority from September 2026 and is expected to be available to all two-year-olds by the end of March 2027, as part of the wider expansion of funded childcare across Wales.

FOI release 27164: Nation of Sanctuary webpages | GOV.WALES confirms that there is no record to show that the Welsh Government, through the former Sanctuary Wales webpages, has told asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status that it wanted them to stay in Wales.

While Wales does not currently have the power to decide who seeks asylum here, we can treat those who arrive with decency, provide support and opportunities to contribute to their communities, and ensure they can rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.

I am pleased to report that Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has achieved full rollout of 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week for all two-year-olds, as the first phase of the expansion of funded childcare.

This phase will be rolled out across the remaining areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council from September 2026, and is expected to be available to all two-year-olds by the end of March 2027, as part of the wider expansion of funded childcare across Wales.

I am pleased to report that Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has achieved full rollout of 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week for all two-year-olds, as the first phase of the expansion of funded childcare.

This phase will be rolled out across the remaining areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council from September 2026, and is expected to be available to all two-year-olds by the end of March 2027, as part of the wider expansion of funded childcare across Wales.

The Welsh Government does not fund external bodies to house refugees at its own discretion.

The refreshed guidance forms part of the Welsh Government's delivery of commitments under the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan.

The funding provided in this financial year to support the continued delivery of EU Settlement Scheme advocacy and advice support for Roma communities in Wales was approved by previous Welsh Government Ministers.

The Welsh Government will continue to monitor what EU Settlement Scheme advocacy and advice support is required.

Under the Carltona Principle, actions and decisions made by civil servants are done so on behalf of ministers and ministers are accountable for actions taken by the Welsh Government. It is not the normal practice of the Welsh Government to name individual civil servants associated with particular decisions.

Decisions relating to the provision of asylum accommodation are a matter for the Home Office. This is governed by relevant legislation.

Asylum and immigration law, including the regulation of and access to immigration legal advice, are reserved to the UK Government.

The Welsh Government does not fund any organisations that provide services to facilitate unlawful residence or prevent lawful deportation.

Decisions on immigration status and deportation remain reserved to the UK Government.

Substantive response

The Wales Sanctuary Service is responsible for its own data and any decisions regarding the publication of its statistical information.

Substantive response

The Welsh Government estimated the figure of £700m in WQ100056 based on the financial information published by the Crown Estate in their recent Annual Report together with evidence gathered from the Group on the Future of the Crown Estate in Wales.

To date, the Block Grant deduction in Scotland is significantly less than the income generated from Crown Estate activity in Scotland. Between 2017-18 and 2024-25 the Crown Estate raised around £900m in income (of which around £800m relates to offshore wind option fees). The related deduction to the Scottish Government’s block grant totalled less than £60m over this period.

Yes, in due course. Welsh Government Officials are in discussion with local authorities to understand whether authorities consider they wish to log an incident under the emergency financial assistance scheme.

The Welsh Government is working with local authorities and other partners to understand the impacts of the recent wildfires on communities across Wales, including those in Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni.

Local authorities may be able to seek support through the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme (Bellwin) in respect of exceptional costs arising from an emergency. Officials are in contact with local authorities to understand whether authorities wish to submit claims under the scheme.

Individuals experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of a crisis situation may also be eligible for support through the Welsh Government's Discretionary Assistance Fund, including Emergency Assistance Payments to help meet essential costs.

The Local Authority spend requested is available in the table below:

Spend Data is Financial Year 2024/25 which is the latest full period available.

All spend provided is where the location of spend is known (supplier has a valid UK postcode). Spend where location is not known (does not have a valid UK postcode) has been excluded. This equates to approximately 3% of the total Local Authority spend. Spend allocated to a location may be subject to minor revisions.

The spend analysis definition of spend in Wales (or spend with Welsh suppliers) is based on the postcode from the invoice address for suppliers being within the region of Wales. 

Spend within Authority is defined as the spend which occurs within the geographic boundary of the authority based on the postcode from the invoice address.

Conwy Council have been unable to provide spend data for this period.

Source: Welsh Spend Analysis System. Data is submitted by Spending Organisations, validated within the system and is then available for analysis by the Data team to provide information on Welsh Public Sector Procurement Spend.

The Welsh Government routinely undertakes proportionate, relevant and robust evaluations of its investments in culture. As part of developing the new Culture and Sport Strategy for Wales we have placed a clear focus on evidence. The strategy will be based on a root and branch reassessment of the challenges and opportunities facing these sectors, identifying the outcomes we want to achieve and how progress and impact will be monitored and evaluated.

The Welsh Government collects evidence about the cultural organisations we support, primarily collected via the yearly statutory Welsh Public Library Standards, bi-annual Museum Spotlight Survey, and yearly UK Archive Sector Survey. The Arts Council for Wales surveys its portfolio organisations and collects data on the number of arts events run, and demographic engagement. Sport Wales runs regular surveys and tracks activity levels in Wales via the Sport and Active Lifestyles Survey and School Sport Survey.

The formal recognition of sports is considered through the UK Sports Councils' Recognition Policy, which is administered jointly by Sport Wales, Sport England, Sportscotland, Sport Northern Ireland and UK Sport. When considering whether an activity can be recognised as a sport, the Sports Councils apply the Council of Europe's European Sports Charter which defines sport as “activities involving physical exertion and skill undertaken for recreation, competition, or the improvement of health and fitness”. The Welsh Government does not have a separate process for designating an activity as either a sport or a game.

The UK Sports Councils' sports recognition policy is currently under review. The revised policy and framework are expected to be finalised by the end of 2026, following which applications for recognition are anticipated to reopen.

I have not had any formal discussions with Cadw or Cymdeithas Eryri regarding the proposed sale of Tŷ Hyll.

Tŷ Hyll is a Grade II-listed building and decisions regarding its sale and future use are matters for the owner. The Welsh Government recognises the heritage significance of the property but has no direct role in determining its future use or public access arrangements.

While the previous Welsh Government administration considered the overall funding proposal before the funding award was approved, the Books Council of Wales was responsible for determining eligibility to organisations in line with the purpose of the funding and its established assessment and grant management processes.

The information you requested is not held centrally by the Welsh Government.

Welsh Government is working alongside local government in preparing for the launch of Arwain and this engagement will make a valuable contribution to the development of this work. A local authority representative will sit on the Arwain Steering Board and local authorities will be able to access the programmes delivered through Arwain. The programme offer is currently being developed, with officials already engaging stakeholders to identify content that would best support the wider One Welsh Public Service ambition of strengthening collaboration, shared values, leadership and capability across Wales’ public sector.

Welsh Government has been working with the NHS Business Services Authority to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate scheme for Wales, similar to that which they already deliver in England. Verification requirements have been considered through the discovery and implementation work. At this stage, no separate list of external partners has been identified outside of UK Government.

The Welsh Government recognises that the loss of a child can have a profound impact on the mental health and wellbeing of bereaved parents. A range of national and local support services are available to bereaved families in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area, including bereavement, mental health and specialist support pathways.

The National Bereavement Care Pathway and the Framework for the Delivery of Bereavement Care in Wales support health boards and partner organisations to provide consistent, compassionate and person-centred bereavement support. Through these arrangements, bereaved parents can access support through primary care, community services, specialist bereavement provision and mental health services, according to their individual needs.

Welsh Government also continues to invest in bereavement support through the Bereavement Support Grant, which helps strengthen services across Wales and improve access to appropriate support for individuals and families experiencing bereavement, including those requiring specialist interventions for complex grief.

We recognise that bereavement following a sudden or traumatic death, including suspected or confirmed suicide, can be particularly devastating. This is why we commissioned the National Advisory and Liaison Service (NALS), which provides a consistent, timely and proactive offer of support to people exposed to, affected by, or bereaved following a sudden unexplained death that may be a suicide. The service helps people access practical, emotional and psychological support at an early stage.

More broadly, as part of the implementation of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we are moving towards open-access mental health services. NHS Performance and Improvement colleagues are working with health boards, including Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, to support this work, and a range of demonstrator pilots are currently testing the model to improve timely access to mental health support.

Together, these measures help ensure that bereaved parents in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area are able to access appropriate bereavement and mental health support based on their individual circumstances and needs.

It is the responsibility of Powys Teaching Health Board to ensure compliance with its statutory Welsh language duties and ensure it is operating in accordance with the principles of More than just words. Health bodies are under a duty to comply with policy‑making standards which require that they consider the effects of their policy decisions on the Welsh language. This extends to policy decisions relating the planning and commissioning of services.

Responsibility for regulating and enforcing compliance with the Welsh Language Standards rests with the Welsh Language Commissioner.

Welsh Government holds NHS organisations to account for the delivery of Welsh language priorities through existing NHS governance and accountability frameworks.

Information on RTT statistics is published on StatsWales and is available in the attached links:

https://stats.gov.wales/en-GB/6bd7d5c9-844e-4e7c-85ba-7256e39f7214/start

NHS waiting lists: referral to treatment performance measures, median and 90th centile waiting time…

Mwy na geiriau / More than just words is the Welsh Government’s plan to strengthen Welsh language services in health and social care. It is underpinned by the principle of the Active Offer (where people are able to access services in Welsh without having to ask for it) – and has a specific focus on strengthening leadership; workforce planning; increasing the skills of the current and future workforce; sharing good practice; and ongoing monitoring and reporting.

Mwy na geiriau / More than just words priorities are aligned with the Welsh Language Standards – to support the delivery of Welsh language services and ensure people can access safe, equitable and person-centred care.

The Welsh Government does not hold this information. The Member may wish to contact the health board directly regarding the availability of this information.

The Welsh Government provides funding to BASW Cymru to employ a Consultant Social Worker specialising in matters relating to race as part of our work to support delivery of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan.

The role supports engagement with social care professionals, representative bodies, regulators and local authorities to improve understanding of the experiences of ethnic minority people who access or work within social care services.

The funding helps to promote awareness of race equality issues, support the development of anti-racist practice, and inform policy and service improvement activity across the social care sector. This contributes to our ambition of ensuring social care services in Wales are inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of all communities.

Patients who have a medical need for transport may be eligible for the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service. Eligibility is assessed against criteria set by the Welsh Government and is based on the patient’s medical condition and whether they can travel safely to and from their appointment. Patients who are unsure whether they qualify should contact the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust on 0300 123 2303.

Patients who do not have a medical need for transport but are on a low income may be able to claim help with reasonable travel costs where they are travelling for NHS treatment under the care of a consultant. They may contact Hywel Dda University Health Board about reimbursement before travelling or submit form HC5W(T), Claim a refund for travel costs to receive NHS treatment, to the NHS Business Services Authority.

Decisions about the operational and strategic delivery of radiology services are matters for Hywel Dda University Health Board. Any external organisation wishing to contribute funding, equipment or appropriately qualified staff should discuss its proposal with the Health Board in the first instance.

Offers to support NHS services are welcomed and appreciated, but any proposal must be developed in cooperation with the Health Board and considered against clinical safety, quality, workforce, governance, sustainability and the Health Board’s agreed service model. Where the Health Board considers that Welsh Government involvement is required, I would expect it to bring forward the proposal through the appropriate established process, explaining how the proposed partnership supports its delivery plans and what intervention is sought.

The Welsh Government divisions most likely to receive such approaches, namely Capital and Estates, Delivery and Performance, Health Sciences, and Planning, are not aware of any recent specific offer made directly to the Welsh Government by a community organisation, charity or commercial provider to support NHS X-ray services in rural Wales. On that basis, no such offer has been identified as having been declined.

This position is based on enquiries with the relevant Welsh Government policy and delivery areas, rather than an exhaustive review of all correspondence received. Organisations interested in supporting a local NHS service are encouraged to engage with the relevant Health Board in the first instance, so that any proposal can be considered collaboratively in the context of local service needs, clinical requirements and the Health Board’s wider plans.

The Welsh Government is bringing forward a National Cancer Strategy – the first of its kind in twenty years - which will set out its approach to improving the quality, consistency and use of cancer data and the publication of data on cancer care and outcomes. In parallel with the development of the Strategy, the Welsh Government is working with health boards and Digital Health and Care Wales to refine the requirements for data integration that will permit future improvements to data sharing and reporting, including what demographic data will be used and made publicly available.

Wales is not currently participating in the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in-service evaluation. Improvements to infrastructure are required within the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Wales Programme before additional conditions can be safely introduced.

My officials are working closely with NHS partners on proposals to establish the requirements for modernising and future-proofing newborn screening infrastructure in Wales, to ensure we are well placed to respond to future screening developments and recommendations.

The Welsh Government is committed to improving understanding of autism and raising awareness of the experiences and needs of autistic adults across Wales.

Support for autistic adults is delivered through the Integrated Autism Service (IAS), which provides information, advice and support to autistic adults, their families and carers. The IAS also plays an important role in improving awareness and understanding of autism amongst professionals, communities and public services. Across North Wales, including Bangor, Conwy and Ynys Môn, the service delivers Understanding Autism courses, training sessions, drop-in opportunities and advice for autistic adults, families, carers and professionals, helping to promote greater awareness and acceptance of autism.

Through the ongoing implementation of the Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services, public bodies are expected to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism, alongside improving access to information, advice and support. Evaluation of the Code highlighted the IAS’s role in increasing understanding of autism amongst professionals, autistic people, families and communities and supporting earlier recognition of needs.

We continue to support awareness raising through the Neurodivergence Improvement Programme, which is driving improvements in services across Wales. This includes work to strengthen workforce knowledge and skills, improve access to information and promote neuro-inclusive approaches across health, social care and wider public services.

The National Neurodivergence Team works with partners across Wales to develop and share resources, training materials and public information designed to improve understanding of autism and wider neurodivergence. This includes the Autism Understanding and Accepting Scheme, online information sessions and the development of additional learning resources, including a ‘What is Neurodivergence?’ e-learning package.

Welsh Government has also recently established a national Information, Advice and Assistance (IAA) Network, bringing together practitioners from across Wales to share learning, good practice and resources. The network will help strengthen the availability and quality of information and advice for everyone, including neurodivergent people and their families. 

Looking ahead, we are developing a new all-age Neurodivergence Code of Practice, which will promote a more consistent, needs-led and person-centred approach across Wales and reinforce the importance of accessible information, early support and neuro-inclusive practice throughout adulthood as well as childhood.

While Wales does not currently have specific numerical targets for reducing stillbirth and neonatal death rates, the introduction of such targets is being kept under active consideration. Whilst targets in and of themselves do not lead to improved outcomes, I fully recognise their potential value as a measure of progress. In the meantime, we continue to pursue a robust programme of quality improvement across maternity and neonatal services to deliver improved outcomes for women, families and babies.

The Welsh Government recognises the importance of ensuring that women and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss can access appropriate psychological and bereavement support, wherever they live in Wales. The Onnen Baby Loss specialist psychological support pilot, delivered by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, is subject to an independent evaluation. The evaluation is now in its procurement phase and will commence once an evaluator is appointed. The findings will assess the effectiveness of the model and inform decisions on potential wider implementation across Wales, ensuring any future approach is evidence-based and supports our wider commitment to compassionate, consistent bereavement care.

Welsh Government recognises that fair pay is fundamental to valuing the social care workforce, and improving pay, terms and conditions for this skilled and dedicated sector remains a key priority.

The Welsh Government provides significant funding to support payment of the Real Living Wage. It is for commissioners and employers to ensure this funding is passed on appropriately and reflects the full costs of employment. We strongly encourage employers to remunerate workers for all working time, including travel time and other work-related duties. We are currently engaging with local authorities and health boards to strengthen monitoring arrangements for the implementation of the Real Living Wage, better understand barriers to delivery, and identify where workers may not be receiving the intended benefits.

While employment law is not devolved, Fair Pay Agreements will, for the first time, provide a mechanism through which pay, terms and conditions agreed by a Social Care Negotiating Body for Wales can be made enforceable across the sector. This will provide an important opportunity to consider issues relating to working time, including travel time and other work-related duties, alongside broader pay and conditions arrangements.

We continue to work closely with the Social Care Fair Work Forum, which brings together trade unions, employers, local government and Welsh Government to improve pay, terms and conditions across the sector and support the practical implementation of fair work principles.

The development of a Social Care Negotiating Body will provide a formal collective bargaining mechanism through which employers and trade unions can negotiate pay, terms and conditions. The Body will be supported by the latest research, evidence and workforce data on the challenges facing the sector, including issues relating to pay and working time, to help inform any future agreements.

Prior to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in March 2026, Welsh Government officials held discussions with Department of Health counterparts regarding its potential implications. These discussions supported coordination and alignment across the UK in relation to the objectives set out in the Rare Cancers Bill - now the Rare Cancer Act 2026.

Whilst responsibility for implementation of the Rare Cancers Act rests primarily with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there is an important role for each of the UK nations to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to support its effective implementation so that the opportunities and expectations arising from the Act are appropriately reflected within Welsh systems and programmes. Engagement between Welsh Government officials and relevant organisations in Wales is undertaken as required through established implementation and governance arrangements. I am therefore not aware of any direct discussions between Welsh organisations and UK Government.

Prior to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in March 2026, Welsh Government officials held discussions with Department of Health counterparts regarding its potential implications. These discussions supported coordination and alignment across the UK in relation to the objectives set out in the Rare Cancers Bill - now the Rare Cancer Act 2026.

Whilst responsibility for implementation of the Rare Cancers Act rests primarily with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there is an important role for each of the UK nations to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to support its effective implementation so that the opportunities and expectations arising from the Act are appropriately reflected within Welsh systems and programmes. Engagement between Welsh Government officials and relevant organisations in Wales is undertaken as required through established implementation and governance arrangements. I am therefore not aware of any direct discussions between Welsh organisations and UK Government.

Prior to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in March 2026, Welsh Government officials held discussions with Department of Health counterparts regarding its potential implications. These discussions supported coordination and alignment across the UK in relation to the objectives set out in the Rare Cancers Bill - now the Rare Cancer Act 2026.

Whilst responsibility for implementation of the Rare Cancers Act rests primarily with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there is an important role for each of the UK nations to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to support its effective implementation so that the opportunities and expectations arising from the Act are appropriately reflected within Welsh systems and programmes. Engagement between Welsh Government officials and relevant organisations in Wales is undertaken as required through established implementation and governance arrangements. I am therefore not aware of any direct discussions between Welsh organisations and UK Government.

Prior to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in March 2026, Welsh Government officials held discussions with Department of Health counterparts regarding its potential implications. These discussions supported coordination and alignment across the UK in relation to the objectives set out in the Rare Cancers Bill - now the Rare Cancer Act 2026.

Whilst responsibility for implementation of the Rare Cancers Act rests primarily with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there is an important role for each of the UK nations to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to support its effective implementation so that the opportunities and expectations arising from the Act are appropriately reflected within Welsh systems and programmes. Engagement between Welsh Government officials and relevant organisations in Wales is undertaken as required through established implementation and governance arrangements. I am therefore not aware of any direct discussions between Welsh organisations and UK Government.

Prior to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in March 2026, Welsh Government officials held discussions with Department of Health counterparts regarding its potential implications. These discussions supported coordination and alignment across the UK in relation to the objectives set out in the Rare Cancers Bill - now the Rare Cancer Act 2026.

Whilst responsibility for implementation of the Rare Cancers Act rests primarily with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there is an important role for each of the UK nations to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to support its effective implementation so that the opportunities and expectations arising from the Act are appropriately reflected within Welsh systems and programmes. Engagement between Welsh Government officials and relevant organisations in Wales is undertaken as required through established implementation and governance arrangements. I am therefore not aware of any direct discussions between Welsh organisations and UK Government.

Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all Armed Forces receive priority access to NHS care and treatment for any conditions (mental and physical) which are considered to be related to, or resulting, from their military service.

Welsh Government provides annual funding of £920,000 to Veterans NHS Wales (VNHSW), a national specialist service that offers priority access to psychological therapies and support for Armed Forces veterans experiencing mental health difficulties related to their military service, including PTSD. VNHSW operates through all Health Boards across Wales.

Health boards are responsible for ensuring that local services meet the needs of the local population, including veterans.

More broadly, as part of the implementation of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we are moving towards open-access mental health services. Veterans will benefit from this approach to improving timely access to mental health support.

I will write to you within 10 working days with a substantive response and a copy of the letter will be published on the internet.

I will write to you within 10 working days with a substantive response and a copy of the letter will be published on the internet.

I will write to you within 10 working days with a substantive response and a copy of the letter will be published on the internet.

I will write to you within 10 working days with a substantive response and a copy of the letter will be published on the internet.

Substantive response

The Welsh Government recognises the fire risk that disposable barbecues can pose during periods of dry weather. We welcome the recent statutory guidance issued by the UK Government in response to current wildfire risks.  The regulation of product safety and the sale of consumer products, including disposable barbecues, is generally a matter for the UK Government.

Following discussion of wildfire risks at the UK Government's COBR meeting, the First Minister supported calls for retailers to suspend the sale of disposable barbecues during periods of extreme heat and drought, in line with existing voluntary arrangements developed with fire sector partners. The First Minister has also committed to convene a multi-agency summit to consider how Wales can further strengthen wildfire prevention and resilience.

More broadly, the Welsh Government supports multi-agency work through the Wales Wildfire Board, which brings together public sector partners to improve wildfire prevention, awareness and education across Wales, including through campaigns such as #WildfireWise.

Regional transport priorities for the South West of Wales are now led by the Corporate Joint Committee’s published Regional Transport Plan.  Delivery of that is supported by the Welsh Governments Regional Transport Fund which is in the current financial year alone providing around £25m to fund work. 

The Welsh Government is funding development work to make the case for up to 7 new stations to serve the Swansea Bay Metro area.  There is also a long term aspiration for a tram style train service between Neath and Swansea City centre, via Swansea docks. Tram being more appropriate for that route due to lower population density.

A 10 mile tram style expansion of the Swansea Bay Metro from Swansea to Neath and Tonna could use light rail on existing lines and on-street running would link Swansea High Street station, the city centre and waterfront, and Swansea university campus with Neath, Tonna and Aberdulais. The estimated cost of this would be over £1bn. The Metro ‘heavy rail’ stations have stronger business cases and we are therefore prioritising these.

Marine energy is an important part of Wales’ clean energy ambitions. The Welsh Government has worked closely with Cardiff University, Marine Energy Wales, and other key stakeholders to develop Wales’ marine energy capability.

Cardiff Capital Region is leading work to develop a tidal lagoon project and Welsh Government officials are helping to steer that work.  The Welsh Government also continues to work with the four Regional Skills Partnerships, including the South West Regional Learning and Skills Partnership, which covers South Wales, to identify skills priorities at both regional and sub-regional levels.

The Welsh Government also supports employers through the Flexible Skills Programme, which provides match funding for training that helps businesses to address skills gaps, retain existing staff and attract new talent.

The UK Government has confirmed a £2 cap on local bus fares will be introduced in England only, for a twelve-month period commencing in January 2027. This will be funded through a reprioritisation of funding between UK Government Departments. Whilst the UK Government has confirmed that this will give rise to the award of additional ‘consequential funding’ for the devolved governments, we are expecting confirmation of the actual amount of additional funding for Wales will be confirmed in UK Governments Autumn Budget Statement which is due on the 28 October 2026.  From this point Welsh Ministers will then make decisions on how best to use any additional funding to best support the delivery of our wider Welsh Government priorities.

In the meantime, our focus remains on providing a very comprehensive concessionary travel scheme, which offers free travel for all eligible residents over the age of sixty as well as disabled people on local bus services in Wales without any time restrictions. We also currently offer a £2 cap on local bus fares for all young people aged between five and 21 years, and this has been extended until the end of financial year 2026-27.

At present we have no plans to provide additional funding to bus operators in Wales to enable them to offer a £2 cap on bus fares for adults aged over twenty-one travelling on cross border local bus services within Wales from 1st January 2027.

The majority of the Core Valleys Line (CVL) is a heavy rail network, even though a section of the Cardiff Bay line will transition to light rail. The full network will continue to be operated by Transport for Wales with a common fleet and common traincrew. All drivers (and conductors) will remain on their current heavy rail terms and conditions and there are no plans to change this.

The Welsh Government is continuing to invest in improvements across the trunk road network in Ceredigion Penfro, while also progressing targeted work to address local congestion and safety issues.

At Lower Town Fishguard on the A487, officials met with local stakeholders and elected representatives to review longstanding congestion and pedestrian safety concerns. Following that engagement, funding has been identified to investigate technology-based options for monitoring vehicle movements through the constrained section of road. This work will provide robust evidence on traffic flows, vehicle types and the causes of blockages, helping to inform future decisions on enforcement, traffic management and longer-term interventions.

Welsh Government is also undertaking feasibility work into potential measures to improve conditions at Lower Town Fishguard, including assessment of a virtual footway on the existing bridge. At the same time, longer-term options continue to be considered, recognising the significant physical, environmental and heritage constraints associated with the site.

More broadly, Welsh Government continues to deliver and develop trunk road improvements across the region, including investment in resurfacing schemes on the A487 and progression of further work at locations such as Withybush Roundabout and along the A40 corridor, helping to improve the resilience, safety and efficiency of the strategic road network.

We are working closely with the UK Government to ensure the AI Growth Zones deliver benefits across the whole of Wales.

Our ambition goes well beyond new data centre investment. We want to create opportunities for Welsh businesses, researchers and communities.

The AI Growth Zones will help attract investment in AI innovation, research and skills. They will support the growth of new businesses and strengthen existing firms. This includes opportunities for Welsh SMEs.

Each UK AI Growth Zone will receive up to £5 million for innovation, research, skills and development activity. We are working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on delivery plans.

We are also taking a joined-up approach across north and south Wales. This will help maximise opportunities and spread the benefits more widely.

Alongside this, we are building partnerships with leading organisations, including NVIDIA. These partnerships will support AI adoption, encourage collaboration with universities and help businesses make greater use of AI technologies.

Our goal is clear. We want Welsh businesses, including SMEs, to have the skills, support and opportunities they need to benefit from growth in artificial intelligence.

Responsibility for improving broadband and mobile phone connectivity in Wales rests with the UK Government. They expect 99% of premises to have access to a gigabit-capable connection by 2032 and is delivering in Wales through its Project Gigabit investment programme. My officials meet regularly with their counterparts in the UK Government to discuss improving digital infrastructure in Wales and have worked with them to identify those premises that do not have access to fast and reliable broadband. We plan to invest where there are gaps in both commercial and UK-led public sector schemes – including Project Gigabit – to ensure that every home and business in Wales has access to at least superfast broadband. We are undertaking a further review of broadband connectivity to identify those premises with the slowest broadband speeds and where there are no plans for improvements in the next three years.

The UK Government and the mobile phone industry are working to improve 4G coverage across the UK through the Shared Rural Network programme. My officials work closely with them on the programme and have established a joint working group to support its delivery in Wales.

The Welsh Government is ensuring SMEs help shape AI and digital skills provision through Business Wales, direct employer engagement, Regional Skills Partnerships and social partner networks. Business Wales supports businesses to strengthen digital capability and is developing activity to increase AI awareness among SMEs.

An AI skills pilot for SMEs, delivered through the Flexible Skills Programme, is also helping businesses adopt AI and providing evidence to inform future policy and provision. The pilot was developed with employers and industry partners, including the Federation of Small Businesses, and has been extended to the end of the current financial year.

The Future Skills Summit on 8 October 2026 will bring together partners from education, business, representative bodies and key sectors to help shape a shared vision and future strategy for Wales’ skills system and its funding. It will support practical outcomes, help address future workforce needs and strengthen education-to-employment pathways.

I have set out my intention to establish a new national development agency as a key driver in meeting our productivity target. I have announced that we are establishing an expert panel to make recommendations on the remit and functions of the new agency and I look forward to receiving their advice, including on how the agency can support and spread innovation.

The Welsh Government has not provided direct funding to promote chess in schools during the last three years and has no specific plans to do so. We invest £3 million annually in enrichment provision, which schools may choose to use to support chess clubs or related activities.

The Welsh Government has not provided direct funding to promote chess in schools during the last three years and has no specific plans to do so. We invest £3 million annually in enrichment provision, which schools may choose to use to support chess clubs or related activities.

On 24^th June the UK Government announced that it would renew support for high achieving students from Gaza to take up fully funded scholarships at UK universities for the 2026/27 academic year. This is for students who hold fully funded and verifiable scholarships, and who meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules. Further details of the UK Government scheme can be found here: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament and Scholarships for students from Gaza - GOV.UK.

The Welsh Government supports this initiative to help talented students continue their education despite the challenges they face. However, no students at Welsh universities have been identified as meeting the eligibility criteria, therefore no funding is currently being provided through the scheme.

The Welsh Government has not set a numerical target for apprenticeship delivery during this Senedd term. Work is underway with employers, Regional Skills Partnerships and our skills audit and Skills Summit to target apprenticeship provision towards priority sectors and skills shortages.

Welsh Government provides funding to Medr, the body responsible for funding and regulating the tertiary education and research sector in Wales.

The Welsh Government also provides significant support to further education institutions to invest in their estates, through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. During 2026/27, we will invest £63 million of capital funding to support major further education infrastructure projects, enabling institutions to transform learning environments and meet the needs of learners.

Alongside this, we are investing £6 million to support institutions to maintain and improve the condition of their facilities through our Capital Repairs and Maintenance Grant, and a further £4 million to deliver adaptations to support learners with Additional Learning Needs

Local authorities and further education institutions have autonomy over how they plan and deliver their provision according to their local needs and priorities within the guidance provided by Medr. Further information on how Medr allocates it’s funding to the sector can be found at their website including their most recent investment publication for academic year 2026/27; https://www.medr.cymru/en/News/medr-2026-16-medrs-investment-for-academic-year-2026-27/.

As I set out in a recent Written Statement, our ambition is to develop a new national learner progression programme which brings together the strongest elements of Academi Seren and the Reaching Wider Programme, currently funded by Medr, into a single, coherent offer for learners across Wales. 

Our new approach should help retain talent, strengthen our skills base and support our economic ambitions. Where learners choose to study or work elsewhere, I want them to remain connected to Wales and encouraged to return.

The Pirbright Institute is the National Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue diagnosis.  As its capacity is being stretched by the current outbreak, additional surge testing will be undertaken at the APHA laboratory in Weybridge. 

The Welsh Government is part of the Bluetongue Vaccine Taskforce, that works to improve the supply of vaccine available for use in Great Britain. The Task Force comprises all three GB administrations, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, farming industry representatives and members of the veterinary associations. 

Vaccine manufacturers and wholesalers regularly attend the Task Force meetings and are currently importing products from Northern Ireland and Europe to help meet demand in GB. They advise that commercial decisions around further imports and vaccine production runs are dependent on demand from industry.  All members of the Task Force are urging farmers and vets to place orders for vaccine to demonstrate demand and ensure additional supplies are made available.

The Pirbright Institute is the National Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue diagnosis.  As its capacity is being stretched by the current outbreak, additional surge testing will be undertaken at the APHA laboratory in Weybridge. 

The Welsh Government is part of the Bluetongue Vaccine Taskforce, that works to improve the supply of vaccine available for use in Great Britain. The Task Force comprises all three GB administrations, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, farming industry representatives and members of the veterinary associations. 

Vaccine manufacturers and wholesalers regularly attend the Task Force meetings and are currently importing products from Northern Ireland and Europe to help meet demand in GB. They advise that commercial decisions around further imports and vaccine production runs are dependent on demand from industry.  All members of the Task Force are urging farmers and vets to place orders for vaccine to demonstrate demand and ensure additional supplies are made available.

The Pirbright Institute is the National Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue diagnosis.  As its capacity is being stretched by the current outbreak, additional surge testing will be undertaken at the APHA laboratory in Weybridge. 

The Welsh Government is part of the Bluetongue Vaccine Taskforce, that works to improve the supply of vaccine available for use in Great Britain. The Task Force comprises all three GB administrations, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, farming industry representatives and members of the veterinary associations. 

Vaccine manufacturers and wholesalers regularly attend the Task Force meetings and are currently importing products from Northern Ireland and Europe to help meet demand in GB. They advise that commercial decisions around further imports and vaccine production runs are dependent on demand from industry.  All members of the Task Force are urging farmers and vets to place orders for vaccine to demonstrate demand and ensure additional supplies are made available.

Progress in reducing Wales's carbon emissions will increasingly depend on the uptake of low-carbon heating and transport technologies. Effective communications will help build awareness and confidence, support informed choices, and promote the advice, support and assistance available.

While the overall approach is still being developed, targeted communications will be used to encourage the uptake of heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicles, supported by audience research, partnership working, monitoring and evaluation. This will also include further development of the Climate Action Wales website and a national climate survey to strengthen the evidence base for future communications and policy-making.

Public engagement will be foundational to Wales's first Climate and Nature Action Plan, which I announced details of on 19 August. The Plan will set out a cross-government programme of action to address the climate and nature emergency as one interconnected challenge. As the Plan is developed, it will be important to involve people, communities, partners and organisations in shaping solutions.

Whilst decisions on trade waste charging are a matter for local authorities, the Welsh Government has consistently encouraged authorities to take a pragmatic approach to childminders operating from domestic premises, which for the majority, is first and foremost their family home.

The Welsh Government recognises the important role that registered childminders play in supporting families and delivering our ambitions to expand high-quality childcare across Wales. Childminders operate from domestic premises, and any unnecessary costs can act as a barrier to the sustainability and growth of the sector. 

The Welsh Government’s Collections Blueprint which sets the guidance to Local Authorities recognises the unique position of childminders and states that local authorities should take a pragmatic and considered approach to childminder waste collection arrangements to avoid creating unnecessary barriers to this vital part of the childcare sector. 

The Welsh Government is part of the Bluetongue Vaccine Taskforce, that works to improve the supply of vaccine available for use in Great Britain. The Task Force comprises all three GB administrations, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, farming industry representatives and members of the veterinary associations. 

Vaccine manufacturers and wholesalers regularly attend the Task Force meetings and are currently importing products from Northern Ireland and Europe to help meet demand in GB. They advise that commercial decisions around further imports and vaccine production runs are dependent on demand from industry.  All members of the Task Force are urging farmers and vets to place orders for vaccine to demonstrate demand and ensure additional supplies are made available.

Confirmed cases of Bluetongue are expected to increase across Wales and all farmers are strongly encouraged to discuss vaccination with their vets.

By law, all dogs in Wales must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database by eight weeks of age. While microchipping cats is not mandatory in Wales, it remains good practice and an important part of responsible pet ownership. We encourage all cat owners in Wales to have their cats microchipped, and for dog and cat owners to keep their details up to date. Microchipping improves traceability when animals are lost, stolen, or involved in road traffic incidents, and provides the best chance of being reunited with their owner.

Cross-government efforts to improve the operation of microchip databases and assess the feasibility of establishing a single search portal are ongoing.

By law, all dogs in Wales must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database by eight weeks of age. While microchipping cats is not mandatory in Wales, it remains good practice and an important part of responsible pet ownership. We encourage all cat owners in Wales to have their cats microchipped, and for dog and cat owners to keep their details up to date. Microchipping improves traceability when animals are lost, stolen, or involved in road traffic incidents, and provides the best chance of being reunited with their owner.

Cross-government efforts to improve the operation of microchip databases and assess the feasibility of establishing a single search portal are ongoing.

By law, all dogs in Wales must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database by eight weeks of age. While microchipping cats is not mandatory in Wales, it remains good practice and an important part of responsible pet ownership. We encourage all cat owners in Wales to have their cats microchipped, and for dog and cat owners to keep their details up to date. Microchipping improves traceability when animals are lost, stolen, or involved in road traffic incidents, and provides the best chance of being reunited with their owner.

Cross-government efforts to improve the operation of microchip databases and assess the feasibility of establishing a single search portal are ongoing.

As the regulator for contaminated land under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Wrexham County Borough Council has undertaken extensive investigations into both the Llwyneinion Acid Tar Lagoon and the adjacent Monsanto Chemical Waste Tip. Some of this work was funded under the Welsh Government’s Contaminated Land Capital Grant which operated between 2006 and 2011.

In 2008, following detailed scientific risk assessments, the Council – in consultation with the Environment Agency (now Natural Resources Wales) – concluded that although contaminants were present and potential linkages to controlled waters existed, there was no significant pollution or significant contaminant linkages that met the legal definition of ‘contaminated land’.

Further funding was provided by the Welsh Government in 2017 to allow the Council to undertake a more holistic assessment and investigate the combined impacts on controlled waters on these sites. Again, no significant impact was identified.

Subsequent on-going monitoring has not found any significant changes to these assessments and water sampling continues to be taken twice a year.

We recognise that the presence of contamination remains a legitimate concern for local residents. The Welsh Government will continue to work with Wrexham County Borough Council and Natural Resources Wales to keep the evidence and monitoring under review and consider whether further action or support is needed.

More broadly, the Welsh Government is committed to a Wales-wide strategy to progressively restoring post-industrial land and protecting communities from potential risks. This includes strengthening the “polluters pay principle” and ensuring the UK Government makes a fair contribution to remediating the impacts of industrial pollution that pre-dates devolution.

Recent draft decisions by Ofwat on additional investment through its Cost Change Process do not result in additional bill increases for customers in Wales.

The Welsh Government recognises concerns about rising water bills and has consistently made it clear that affordability must be a key consideration in decisions about future investment and charges.

Water bills are set independently by Ofwat through the statutory price review process every five years. The next price review period will be in 2030-2035 and Welsh Government has already begun work through the Wales Price Review Forum with regulators, consumer representatives and water companies to ensure the interests of people in Wales are reflected in the next price review.

We also continue to press water companies to ensure support reaches those who need it. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy provide a range of assistance schemes, including social tariffs, debt support and schemes to help vulnerable customers.

Customers of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy who opt for a water meter can benefit from arrangements that allow them to trial metered charging and revert if it is not beneficial to them.

I recognise that cultivation methods can influence soil erosion and water runoff. While cultivating across slopes can be beneficial in some circumstances, the most appropriate approach depends on local conditions such as slope, soil type and weather. For that reason, we do not currently plan to mandate horizontal ploughing in Wales.

The Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) supports farmers to undertake actions that protect soils and water resources, while maintaining sustainable food production.

We will continue to engage with Natural Resources Wales, and other partners, to support an evidence-led, site-specific approach to sustainable land management that protects soils and water resources.

Recent wildfires have highlighted the importance of effective land management in building resilience to wildfire risk across Wales' uplands. This includes the potential for appropriate grazing to help reduce the accumulation of combustible vegetation and therefore lower wildfire risk. The maintenance of vegetation through active land management can also support the effectiveness of natural and managed firebreaks.

Welsh Government agricultural and environmental policies are designed to support the sustainable management of land while balancing a range of objectives, including biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience and food production. We continue to engage with farmers, land managers and other stakeholders to understand how these policies operate in practice and how they can best support the management of wildfire risk in the future.

The First Minister will convene a wildfire summit later this year to consider the actions needed to reduce wildfire risk in the short, medium and long term. This will include the role that appropriate land management in the uplands should play and will include lessons learned from the recent wildfires. 

The Community Right to Buy scheme is currently under development and policy officials have begun engaging with partners on options on the overall design. I do not want to pre-empt the outcome of discussions that are being progressed as it is important that stakeholder views are heard to help inform the scope of the scheme. However, the Prif Weinidog did set out in his legislative statement on the 14 July that the intention of the Community Right to Buy scheme will ‘provide the legislative basis to enable community groups to nominate and register valuable assets to be given the right of first refusal when the owners decide to sell’.

It is anticipated that a consultation on proposals will be published for further consideration in the Autumn.

Funding announcements made on 12 August 2026 highlighted a selection of projects recently approved through the Transforming Towns programme and were not intended to represent all regeneration funding approvals.

The projects announced reflected the timing and status of individual applications that had completed Welsh Government's established approval processes and were ready for announcement, rather than any judgement about the merits of regeneration activity in particular locations.

Newport continues to benefit from Welsh Government regeneration investment, having received more than £17.6 million of Transforming Towns funding since 2020 to support a range of city centre regeneration projects, including the Market Arcade, the Old Station Building and the Leisure and Wellbeing Centre.

The Welsh Government will continue to work with Newport City Council to develop and consider further regeneration proposals in line with the city's emerging Placemaking Plan and wider regeneration priorities.

As part of the Welsh Government’s stated ambition to revitalise town centres across Wales, I have announced the establishment of the Town Centre Taskforce, which will have a pan-Wales remit, with membership selected to reflect the geography, communities and diversity of Wales. Its work will consider opportunities and challenges facing town centres and high streets across Wales, rather than focusing on any individual town or city.

This is a matter for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS).  Like all Fire and Rescue Services in Wales, it funds its core activities by levying contributions from its constituent local authorities; it does not receive direct Welsh Government funding.

I am aware of NWFRS’s aspiration to build a new training centre at St Asaph, and I and my officials will have further discussions with NWFRS about that in due course.

The Welsh Government provided additional support to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service during the current wildfires by funding Army personnel to assist ground-based operations, including the cutting of firebreaks to help contain the fire and prevent its further spread. This support was highly effective and was delivered alongside assistance from other UK fire and rescue services through established mutual aid arrangements.

The primary responsibility for public communication during emergencies lies with local authorities, emergency responders and other agencies such as Public Health Wales. During major incidents, including the recent wildfires, the Welsh Government plays a co-ordinating role in this activity to ensure consistency of national messaging.

Cabinet Ministers did not have sight of the findings of the HMICFRS assessment of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service before I issued my written statement of 13 July 2026. Neither Ministers nor officials saw HMICFRS’s full report before it was published on 29 July. 

The Commissioners did however share an outline of HMICFRS’s end of assessment debrief with my officials in May.  This information partly informed my decision to continue the intervention as set out in the advice from my officials released to you under Freedom of Information Requests ATISN 27232 and ATISN 27237.

Implementation of the HMICFRS findings is a matter for the Commissioners and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.   We do not hold information on whether the academics appointed by the Commissioners considered the HMICFRS findings in their work.  Any publication of their report is a matter for those academics and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The criteria for ending the intervention will be based on the delivery of the Commissioners’ new terms of reference, a summary of which is published on the Welsh Government website. 

South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority intervention | GOV.WALES

The Commissioners will report progress to me and advise me on when they assess that the organisation is resilient enough to continue its improvement journey under new governance arrangements.  I will make my decision based on their advice and supporting evidence and will provide a statement to the Senedd at the appropriate time.

Cabinet Ministers did not have sight of the findings of the HMICFRS assessment of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service before I issued my written statement of 13 July 2026. Neither Ministers nor officials saw HMICFRS’s full report before it was published on 29 July. 

The Commissioners did however share an outline of HMICFRS’s end of assessment debrief with my officials in May.  This information partly informed my decision to continue the intervention as set out in the advice from my officials released to you under Freedom of Information Requests ATISN 27232 and ATISN 27237.

Implementation of the HMICFRS findings is a matter for the Commissioners and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.   We do not hold information on whether the academics appointed by the Commissioners considered the HMICFRS findings in their work.  Any publication of their report is a matter for those academics and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The criteria for ending the intervention will be based on the delivery of the Commissioners’ new terms of reference, a summary of which is published on the Welsh Government website. 

South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority intervention | GOV.WALES

The Commissioners will report progress to me and advise me on when they assess that the organisation is resilient enough to continue its improvement journey under new governance arrangements.  I will make my decision based on their advice and supporting evidence and will provide a statement to the Senedd at the appropriate time.

Cabinet Ministers did not have sight of the findings of the HMICFRS assessment of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service before I issued my written statement of 13 July 2026. Neither Ministers nor officials saw HMICFRS’s full report before it was published on 29 July. 

The Commissioners did however share an outline of HMICFRS’s end of assessment debrief with my officials in May.  This information partly informed my decision to continue the intervention as set out in the advice from my officials released to you under Freedom of Information Requests ATISN 27232 and ATISN 27237.

Implementation of the HMICFRS findings is a matter for the Commissioners and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.   We do not hold information on whether the academics appointed by the Commissioners considered the HMICFRS findings in their work.  Any publication of their report is a matter for those academics and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The criteria for ending the intervention will be based on the delivery of the Commissioners’ new terms of reference, a summary of which is published on the Welsh Government website. 

South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority intervention | GOV.WALES

The Commissioners will report progress to me and advise me on when they assess that the organisation is resilient enough to continue its improvement journey under new governance arrangements.  I will make my decision based on their advice and supporting evidence and will provide a statement to the Senedd at the appropriate time.

Cabinet Ministers did not have sight of the findings of the HMICFRS assessment of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service before I issued my written statement of 13 July 2026. Neither Ministers nor officials saw HMICFRS’s full report before it was published on 29 July. 

The Commissioners did however share an outline of HMICFRS’s end of assessment debrief with my officials in May.  This information partly informed my decision to continue the intervention as set out in the advice from my officials released to you under Freedom of Information Requests ATISN 27232 and ATISN 27237.

Implementation of the HMICFRS findings is a matter for the Commissioners and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.   We do not hold information on whether the academics appointed by the Commissioners considered the HMICFRS findings in their work.  Any publication of their report is a matter for those academics and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The criteria for ending the intervention will be based on the delivery of the Commissioners’ new terms of reference, a summary of which is published on the Welsh Government website. 

South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority intervention | GOV.WALES

The Commissioners will report progress to me and advise me on when they assess that the organisation is resilient enough to continue its improvement journey under new governance arrangements.  I will make my decision based on their advice and supporting evidence and will provide a statement to the Senedd at the appropriate time.

I am exploring options for introducing legislation to ensure that tenants who want to keep a pet may do so.

I am exploring options for introducing legislation to ensure that tenants who want to keep a pet may do so.

It is for each Fire and Rescue Service to provide firefighters with appropriate personal protective equipment and welfare facilities.  While the recent outbreaks of wildfire have placed the Service under exceptional strain, I am not aware of any significant concerns about this particular issue. 

Helicopters can make a useful contribution to tackling wildfires in some cases, by complementing the ground-level firefighting operations which will always be necessary.  However, the commercial capability to undertake aerial firefighting in the UK is currently very limited, and in recent weeks demand has significantly exceeded supply in Wales and elsewhere.  I and my officials have had extensive recent discussions with the Fire and Rescue Services about this issue, but the only sustainable solution is likely to mean increasing civilian or military capabilities at a UK level.

The Local Authority advised Welsh Government that the project had been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. As a result of those delays the original Transforming Towns grant offered towards the project expired. However, I am pleased to confirm that I have recently agreed an extension of time to that offer and am advised that work should re-commence shortly, with the project completing this financial year.

Investigating the causes of fires is a matter for the Fire and Rescue Service and, where appropriate, the Police. I understand that some recent wildfires are likely to have been deliberately set, while others may have started accidentally or due to carelessness. Determining the exact means of ignition can be difficult as a large wildfire will often completely destroy the area where it originated.

However, disposable barbecues have previously been implicated as the likely cause of numerous wildfires in Wales and elsewhere.  Any activity which involves outdoor burning carries this risk, particularly during heatwave conditions.

The Prif Weinidog raised the possibility of developing a military aerial firefighting capability with the Prime Minister at the COBR meeting on 12 August.  I expect further discussions about that in the coming months. 

However, the deployment of existing military assets is solely a matter for the Ministry of Defence.  When a request for military assistance is made, it is likewise for the MOD to determine whether that request can be met, and if so, which assets to deploy.

The commercial capability to undertake aerial firefighting in the UK is currently very limited, and in recent weeks demand has significantly exceeded supply in Wales and elsewhere.  I and my officials have had extensive recent discussions with the Fire and Rescue Services about this issue, but the only sustainable solution is likely to mean increasing civilian or military capabilities at a UK level.

The Prif Weinidog raised the possibility of developing a military aerial firefighting capability with the Prime Minister at the COBR meeting on 12 August.  I expect further discussions about that in the coming months. 

However, the deployment of existing military assets is solely a matter for the Ministry of Defence.  When a request for military assistance is made, it is likewise for the MOD to determine whether that request can be met, and if so, which assets to deploy.

The commercial capability to undertake aerial firefighting in the UK is currently very limited, and in recent weeks demand has significantly exceeded supply in Wales and elsewhere.  I and my officials have had extensive recent discussions with the Fire and Rescue Services about this issue, but the only sustainable solution is likely to mean increasing civilian or military capabilities at a UK level.

The Prif Weinidog raised the possibility of developing a military aerial firefighting capability with the Prime Minister at the COBR meeting on 12 August.  I expect further discussions about that in the coming months. 

However, the deployment of existing military assets is solely a matter for the Ministry of Defence.  When a request for military assistance is made, it is likewise for the MOD to determine whether that request can be met, and if so, which assets to deploy.

The commercial capability to undertake aerial firefighting in the UK is currently very limited, and in recent weeks demand has significantly exceeded supply in Wales and elsewhere.  I and my officials have had extensive recent discussions with the Fire and Rescue Services about this issue, but the only sustainable solution is likely to mean increasing civilian or military capabilities at a UK level.

The primary responsibility for public communication during emergencies lies with local authorities, emergency responders and other agencies such as Public Health Wales. During major incidents, including the recent wildfires, the Welsh Government plays a co-ordinating role in this activity to ensure consistency of national messaging.

Operational response to wildfires is a matter for the Fire and Rescue Services, who are best placed to determine the tactics, resources and specialist capabilities required to protect communities and bring incidents under control.

In response to the recent spate of wildfires across its area, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service identified a need for additional support. This included Welsh Government-funded Army personnel assisting ground-based operations by cutting firebreaks to contain fires and prevent further spread. There was also support from other UK fire and rescue services through established mutual aid arrangements, all of which has been highly effective.

We note the introduction of the Sentencing Act 2026 and continue to engage with the UK Government to carry out its implementation in Wales. Criminal justice policy is reserved to the UK Government and inevitably has impacts on Welsh public services.

We continue to assess the potential impact of the reforms on devolved services in Wales, including health, specialist victim support, housing, safeguarding and wider public services and will seek assurances that any consequences are fully understood and appropriately resourced.

The estimated total cost of establishing and operating the Town Centre Taskforce is not yet available as a number of elements that will contribute to the overall cost are still being finalised. These include the frequency and duration of meetings, the level of secretariat support required, any member expenses that may be incurred, and the scope of any research, evidence-gathering or specialist advice that may be commissioned by the Taskforce. I can however confirm the Co-Chairs will be remunerated in line with the Band 4 Chair rate under the Welsh Government Remuneration Scheme.

We continue to consider how best to meet housing evidence needs, including through a future Welsh Housing Survey. My officials have engaged with key stakeholders on the potential content and design of a survey. Decisions on future survey delivery will be taken in the context of wider budget considerations and our commitment to delivering our forthcoming Programme for Government.

Leasing Scheme Wales was launched in January 2022 as a five-year grant funded scheme and is scheduled to formally close in March 2027. The Welsh Government has no plans to extend the scheme beyond this date.

As the programme comes to an end, we are considering the lessons learned and how these can inform future policy interventions, including our commitment to bring more empty properties back into use for social rent.

Substantive response 

Establishing a new national body requires careful consideration of its purpose, scope, governance, legal status and funding arrangements.

Rather than predetermine the outcome, we are working through those issues carefully to ensure any future arrangements are credible, affordable and capable of delivering better outcomes for communities across Wales.