, Plenary
Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning
Thank you for that, Cabinet Secretary. And I agree with that. I understand what councils are up against. We know, though, that the settlement we've had here in Wales has probably been the largest we've had ever. However, we know that local government did have…
, Plenary
Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning
Diolch, Llywydd. It's good to be able to ask you questions, Cabinet Secretary. We've worked together in a different role, when I was a leader, and so it's nice to interact on that same subject. Cabinet Secretary, I know you would agree that good local…
, Plenary
Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Cabinet Office: Context for and approach to the next Spending Review period
Can I thank you for the statement, Cabinet Secretary? We are at that time of political challenge, we know. Obviously, the first half of your statement was the predictable political diatribe that seems to be the default position to take away the focus from the…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
Thank you, First Minister. I know you would agree with me that children waiting for treatment should be prioritised, certainly for certain conditions, but recent casework is showing that that isn't the case in my constituency. A young boy who has been…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
7. What assessment has Welsh Government made of the number of children on NHS waiting lists in Monmouthshire? OQ61256
, Petitions Committee
Updates to previous petitions
Thanks, Chair. This has had quite a lot of consideration. We know that it was first considered back in October 2023, and the committee considered it for a second time on 18 March. It was agreed that we would write to the Minister for Education and Welsh…
, Petitions Committee
New Petitions
Thank you, Chair. Obviously, this subject did create quite a lot of concern when it happened, and we also know that Ofcom are the key people who adjudicate over the nature and regulate over the nature of broadcasters, and indeed they did find in March…
, Petitions Committee
New Petitions
As much as I see where the petitioner is coming from, it's unachievable in a rural constituency like mine. As much as I would love to be able to jump on a bus that would coincide with our meetings and expectations and to be able to attend various surgeries…
, Petitions Committee
New Petitions
Thank you, Chair, and can I also add my congratulations to Jack Sargeant? I hope everything is going well at home. Yes, so, on to the first item, and just for context, the petition was—and I'll read it— 'The National transport plan 2022-2027 indicates the…
, Plenary
90-second Statements
You did. Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Today, I want to pay tribute to the rugby league legend Rob Burrow CBE, an incredible man who sadly passed away earlier this week at the young age of 41. He was a selfless man who dedicated the final years of his life to…
, Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Session on the Cabinet Manual and Access Talks
It's going to be a challenge though, knowing what questions to ask, until we understand the role of that position, really. I suppose that's what we're trying to understand more about. But I'm conscious that—. I take the position—it's evolving and perhaps…
, Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Session on the Cabinet Manual and Access Talks
I wonder what mechanisms there may be available to the Senedd to scrutinise the effectiveness of the Cabinet Office in supporting the First Minister and the Cabinet to deliver those strategic priorities. In light of it being a new role, has some thought been…
, Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Session on the Cabinet Manual and Access Talks
So, over the history of the Senedd and the Assembly, there was never that role before—it's evolving, is it?
, Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Session on the Cabinet Manual and Access Talks
Yes, they're the glue, really, the conduit that links it all together. I see it. Thank you for that. I wonder if you could perhaps give us a view on why the First Minister decided to establish a new Cabinet Office role within the ministerial team. How will…
, Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Session on the Cabinet Manual and Access Talks
And then there are very clear lines, I suppose, of where you can go from advice, because I suppose it's very easy when it's—. As a past leader of a council, I know that my relationship with officers was very close—it's a very fine line that you can't cross in…
, Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Session on the Cabinet Manual and Access Talks
You have to convert the Government's manifesto into the programme of work, I suppose, so you've got to get quite close to the manifesto to know how to interpret what the Government are wanting, to be able to then advise or co-ordinate what work goes forward.
, Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Session on the Cabinet Manual and Access Talks
Thank you, Chairman. I just wondered if you could help us understand the roles and responsibilities of the civil servants within the Cabinet Office.
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
And we shouldn't need mediation between Governments. Governments should have enough capacity and expertise and knowledge and professionalism to be able to foster good relationships to just iron out disputes, shouldn't they? It's a shame that we are having to…
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
What are your thoughts on the inclusion of an independent mediation process, and would this provide a more equitable process for devolved Governments?
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
That makes a lot of sense. I can see that. Let's get the body running, and if there are disputes, that's a good problem and then we'll find a way of solving them. The final question from me, and probably for the session, I'm not sure—
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
That's fine.
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
I've just got a couple of last questions, which are looking to investigate the dispute resolution mechanism for fiscal issues. How effective, in your view, is the dispute resolution mechanism addressing previous issues of a power imbalance between the…
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
A couple more points from me. I know you mentioned in your report about the need to ensure accountability mechanisms. I just wonder, can you elaborate a little bit on those proposals and how important that might be for legislatures to work together—it's quite…
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
I was just wondering, do you think there might be room for something like an Office for Budget Responsibility to be set up, which can focus on the operations of inter-governmental relations, something that is a respected independent body—would there be room…
, Finance Committee
Fiscal Inter-governmental Relations: Evidence session 6
I think I agree with that. I think probably, with the current dynamic, of Wales and England at the moment, some people might suggest it's quite nice to be able to bemoan the situation. Now, if there is a change and an alignment of political parties, would…
